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Morphometry of the kangaroo spine and its comparison with human spinal data.

Authors :
Wilke HJ
Betz VM
Kienle A
Source :
Journal of anatomy [J Anat] 2021 Mar; Vol. 238 (3), pp. 626-642. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Oct 06.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

The upright posture of the kangaroo suggests that the spine of the kangaroo could be a possible substitute model for biomechanical studies of the human spine. A prerequisite for this should be the agreement of anatomy in humans and kangaroos. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical parameters of the kangaroo spine from C4 to S4 and compare them with existing anatomical data of the human spine. Eight complete spines of the red giant kangaroo were obtained and 21 anatomical parameters were measured from the vertebral bodies, spinal canal, endplate, pedicles, intervertebral discs, transverse, and spinous processes. Most similarities between kangaroo and human spines were found for the vertebral bodies in the cervical and the lumbar spine. The largest differences were evident for the spinous processes. Although both species are somehow upright, these differences may be explained by the way how they move. Jumping probably requires more muscle strength than walking on two legs.<br /> (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Anatomy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Anatomical Society.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1469-7580
Volume :
238
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of anatomy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
33025596
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.13323