Chapter 19, Problem 62AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The types of breast muscle fibers in the birds should be identified.

Concept introduction: The muscle fibers are defined as the elongation of cells from which muscles are made up of. The tendons are defined as the attachment of muscles with bones via a piece of connective tissue. When all the fibers of a muscle contract, the muscle shortens as a result causing movement in the part of the body to which the muscle is connected. Birds use supracoracoideus muscle located under the wings to lift their wings. These muscles called as the breast muscles which consist of about 10%-20% of the total body weight depending on the bird, are attached to the keel of the sternum and the other end at the humerus. The enlarged breast muscles, the skeletal bones and the pulley system that allows the muscle located under the wing to raise help the bird in flights.