The graviportal spine: Epaxial muscles of the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana). (20th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Birgfellner, Caroline Maria Victoria; Soley, John Thomson; Polsterer, Eva; Forstenpointner, Gerhard; Weissengruber, Gerald Erwin
• Is Part Of: Anatomia, histologia, embryologia. Volume 52:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 147
• Publication Date: 2022-08-20
• Subjects: musculi dorsi -- Proboscidea -- vertebral column; Anatomy, Comparative -- Periodicals; Veterinary anatomy -- Periodicals; Veterinary histology -- Periodicals; Veterinary embryology -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0340-2096

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, we present not only a new and detailed anatomical description of the epaxial muscles and adjacent ligamentous and fascial structures in the African savanna elephant but also a structural and functional comparison with other Afrotherian mammals and some domestic quadrupeds. All structures were examined by means of standard anatomical techniques. The back of the largest land mammal is a crucial part of trunk construction according to the bow and string concept, which is applied also in other quadrupedal animals. The epaxial muscles of the African savanna elephant play an important role in the biomechanical properties of the entire back and in supporting and moving the heavy head. Situated in the short cervical region of the African savanna elephant is a large mass comprised of numerous muscle individuals together with a well‐developed ligamentum nuchae. Parts of the mm. interansversarii ventralis cervicis form a strong muscle belly, which was named the m. intertransversarius longus. Whereas the head is held in a high or extended position most of the time during locomotion, the head and neck are highly mobile while the animal is foraging or socially interacting. Movements between the elements of the thoracic and lumbar spine are likely to be very limited due to the obvious rigidity of the bony vertebral column. Aponeuroses surrounding long epaxial muscles could contribute to an energy‐saving mechanism, which is active during both stance and locomotion. The well‐developed m. serratus dorsalis cranialis helps in facilitating effective breathing in an animal, which is equipped with an unusual pleural structure.