Myology and Serology of the Avian Family Fringillidae: A Taxonomic StudyStallcup, William B.
Science
Myology and Serology of the Avian Family Fringillidae: A Taxonomic Study
Stallcup, William B.
Birds; Finches
_+Musculus flexor hallucis longus+_ (Fig. 3).--Situated immediately
posterior to the _m. flexor digitorum longus_, the belly of this
large, pinnate muscle is intimately connected anteriorly to that of
the _m. flexor perforatus digiti II_. The _m. flexor hallucis longus_
arises by two heads which are separated by the tendon of insertion of
the _m. biceps femoris_. The smaller anterior head arises from the
same tendon as does the _m. flexor perforatus digiti II_. The larger
posterior head arises by means of fleshy fibers from the
intercondyloid region of the posterior surface of the femur along with
the _m. flexor perforatus digiti III_ and _IV_. The two heads join
just distal to the point of insertion of the _m. biceps femoris_.
There is no trace of a tendinous band connecting the two heads as
there is in the crow and in the raven (Hudson, 1937:49). Near the
distal end of the shank the muscle gives rise to a strong tendon which
perforates the tibial cartilage along its lateral edge and passes
through the anterolateral canal of the hypotarsus (Fig. 6). The tendon
crosses over to the medial surface of the tarsometatarsus, passes
distally, and perforates the sheathlike tendon of the _m. flexor
hallucis brevis_ between the first metatarsal and the trochlea for
digit II. The tendon continues along the posterior surface of the
hallux and has a double insertion; the main tendon attaches to the
base of the ungual phalanx and a smaller branch inserts on the distal
end of the proximal phalanx.
Action.--Flexes hallux.
Comparison.--In _Vireo_ this muscle has only the posterior head of
origin and is not connected with the _m. flexor perforatus digiti II_.
The muscle is proportionately smaller and weaker than in any of the
other species studied.
_+Musculus extensor hallucis longus+_ (Fig. 4).--One of the smallest
muscles of the leg, the origin is fleshy from the anteromedial edge of
the proximal end of the tarsometatarsus. The belly is long and slender
and terminates distally in a slender tendon which passes distally
along the posterior surfaces of the first metatarsal and the first
digit. The insertion is on the base of the ungual phalanx. Near the
distal end of the proximal phalanx, the tendon passes between two
thick bands of fibro-elastic tissue which insert also on the ungual
phalanx. These bands of tissue function as automatic extensors of the
claw.
Action.--Extends hallux; action must be slight.
Comparison.--In _Vireo_ this muscle is proportionately larger and
better developed than it is in any of the other species examined.
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