Comparative Myology

9/3/2013
Lecture 3
 LEARNING OUTCOMES

Describe evolutionary adaptations of muscles

in terms of their position, function, presence or
absence of entire muscle or its part, and
rearrangement in various species
• The position and function of muscles, parts of
muscles or groups are modified in different
classes of mammals.

• Evolutionary adaptation to activity

• Functional adaptation is reflected in both the

skeleton and musculature.
 Position and Function
The position and function of muscles are modified in different classes
of mammals.

• Muscles of Mastication
side-to-side chewing Vs biting and tearing

– Temporalis
– Sternocephalicus
 …. Position and Function

Triceps brachii

Attachment :

all along the scapula

Vs
narrow attachment
Presence/absence and Rearrangement
The parts of muscles or groups are modified in
different classes of mammals.

• A portion may be represented in a different form

or may shift to another muscle group
– e.g. rearrangement of clavicular muscles in
quadrupeds

• The portions of the muscles attaching to the clavicle in

primates are represented in the nearby muscles of other
animals
 …Presence/absence and
Rearrangement

• Portion of a muscle or the muscle itself may

be absent
e.g. loss of forearm rotators in ungulates
– the supinators and pronators are absent or serve
as extensors or flexors of the carpus and digits.
 …Presence/absence and
Rearrangement
• As the number of digits reduces, some of the
muscles disappear or are represented as
ligaments
e.g. mm. interossei
– Gradual loss or change in muscle form occurs
• Poly dactyl state-------Monodactyl state