Chicken Wing Dissection

The dissection of chicken wings is performed to investigate the anatomy and functionality of

the muscles, bones, and joints similar to those found in a human arm. The similarity is that

chickens and humans have a common evolution history (both are vertebrates). The chicken

wing dissection procedure is as follows;

 Examination of the chicken wing to determine the external appearance and structure.

 Determination of the upper wing, lower wing, and wing tip.

 Examination of the wing at the joint of the detachment from the human body. With

close observation, the cartilage, bone marrow and ligaments that connected the joint

are identifiable.

 Carefully cut the skin with scissors and start at the top end of the upper wing towards

the shoulder joint. Another cut is made down the sides of the skin to make a t-shaped

cut.

 With forceps, the skin is gently peeled back to allow for observation with careful

consideration to avoid damaging underlying tissues.

Observations

The muscles in the wing resemble bundles of pink fibres. Two wing muscles that flex and extend

the elbow joint are also observable. Find two wing muscles that flex and extend the elbow joint.

The muscles push in one direction towards the lower wing bones. When the wing is flexed, the

muscles (triceps and biceps) move in opposing motions to facilitate the movement of the bones.

Also, tiny white tissues (tendons) mainly function as binding muscles and bones. Cartilage and

ligaments can also be seen at the joints.

Below are the diagrams for the chicken-wing dissection;

Figure the visible external features of a chicken wing (assist.asta.edu.au, 2017).

Figure careful cutting reveals the muscles and underlying tissues (assist.asta.edu.au, 2017).
Figure: Muscle groups of a Chicken-wing

Figure: Muscles Comprising the Chicken-wing (assist.asta.edu.au, 2017).