
so placed to form the articulation that the long diam- eters of the semilunar cavities are reversed and they are so exactly adapted to each other as to form a most perfect Carus observes, “The vertebral column of Birds so far resembles that of tortoises, that only the caudal and more particularly the numerous cervical vertebrae have true articulations admitting of motion. The dorsal and sacral vertebrae on the contrary, even when they are not consolidated are connected by strong ligaments so as to form an inflexible column (In the Ostrich and cassowary alone the dorsal vertebrae are moveable). This dosposition on the one hand by the solidity it affords to the trunk facilitates the flight of the bird and on the other by the length and flexibility of the neck in some degree compensates for the incapability of the anterior extremities for seizing and feeling objects. Of the dorsal vertebrae the two first which support the false ribs (though there is sometimes only one of them) are somewhat moveable, and have a general resemblance to the cervical vertebrae.” The muscles of the back are not mentioned by Carus. An Introduction to the Comparative Anatomy of Animals &c. translated by R. T. Gore. Vol. 1. p. 165. Dr Grant observes, “The muscles of the back are feeble and that part consequently admits of little motion, the straight, oblique, and transverse muscles of the abdomen are also very feeble and short in this class, that cavity being chiefly supported and covered by the sternum.” Lancet, June 13th 1834. Dr Roget, in speaking of the cervical vertebrae and of the contrivance for preventing pressure in this part, observes, - “The design of this structure is farther evident from its not existing in the dorsal and
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Manuscript details
- Author
- George Oakley Fleming
- Reference
- AP/28/6
- Series
- AP
- Date
- 1846
- IIIF
-
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Cite as
On Motion in the lumbar division of the spine of birds, by George Oakley Fleming , 1846. From The Royal Society, AP/28/6
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