Julian J. Baumel

The digital tendon locking mechanism of the avian foot (Aves)

SummaryRepresentatives of all avian orders were studied in order to establish that the tendon-locking mechanism (TLM), consisting of local specialization of the flexor tendons and the adjacent portion of the flexor tendon sheath, is by no means rare, but rather, constitutes the prevalent condition in a large majority of the avian species sampled. The areas of tubercles on the tendons and the adjacent sheath plications intermesh with one another thereby forming a true tendon-locking mechanism that maintains the distal and other interphalangeal joints of the digits in the flexed position. The TLM seems to function not only in perching, but in a wide variety of other activities of the avian foot including swimming, wading, prey-grasping, clinging, hanging, and tree climbing. The basic structural components of the mechanism are remarkably similar in the divergent avian groups adapted for these activities. Ultrastructural detail of the TLM was studied by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Interdigital variation in distribution of the TLM in all of the digits of individuals were made as were comparisons of the interspecific distribution of the TLM. An analysis of the biomechanics involved in engaging the elements of the TLM and how they produce locking of the flexed joints of the digits includes a consideration of the roles of the podothecal pads, ungual flexor processes, and the elastic flexor and extensor ligaments of the toes. The components of the TLM are differentiated in early fetal development establishing that the TLM components are not acquired adventitiously in response to such factors as posthatching mechanical stresses.

The collar plexus of subcutaneous thermoregulatory veins in the pigeon, Columba livia; its association with esophageal pulsation and gular flutter

SummaryHeat stressed pigeons dissipate heat by panting and gular flutter which is associated with upper esophageal pulsation; these activities depend on evaporative cooling and convection from mucosal surfaces. The collar plexus, an unusual subcutaneous system of erectile veins, is the specialized vascular apparatus that seems to serve as the heat exchanger for gular flutter and upper esophageal pulsation. The collar plexus lies between the dermis and a deeper muscle sheet, extending from the head to the thoracic inlet in mature pigeons. The slightly filled plexus is inconspicuous, resembling an ordinary venous bed, and consists of thick-walled veins having small lumina, similar to arteries. When moderately-filled, the veins of the plexus distend and abruptly transform into “beaded” veins with contorted, sacculated expansions separated by constricted segments.During heat stress, engorgement of the plexus occurs rapidly by continual flow over arteriovenous anastomoses that empty arterial blood directly into the beaded veins. Constriction of veins draining the plexus impedes venous return to the jugular veins, thereby maintaining tumescence of the plexus. Disgorgement of the plexus also occurs abruptly. Intimate contact between the deep aspect of the engorged plexus and the trachea and upper esophagus provides for heat transfer from the plexus to the mucosal surfaces of these structures where evaporative cooling takes place. During esophageal pulsation the esophageal surface extends and augments the respiratory dead-space area used for evaporative cooling. Thus a possible advantage of cooling by upper esophageal pulsation is that, like gular flutter of the oropharynx, it may minimize the amount of air that must pass over gas exchange surfaces, thereby limiting the washout of CO2 and consequent acid-base disturbances that occur during panting in extreme heat stress.Ability to inflate the esophagus is of general occurrence among the pigeons and doves (Family Columbidae). The collar plexus is also widespread, having been found in representatives of five of the examined six main subdivisions of the Columbidae.

Display of arteriovenous anastomoses by double latex injection after vasodilatation with chloroform

Abstract Injection of arteriovenous anastomoses (AVA) is difficult to achieve because of their tendency to undergo postmortem constriction. Since AVA lack an internal elastic lamina, constriction results in almost complete obliteration of the lumina; however, chloroform inhalation produces dilatation thus permitting injection. The identification of AVA, their dissection, and manipulation are facilitated by double injection with contrasting colors of latex.