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Modulation of flight muscle power output in budgerigars Melopsittacus undulatus and zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata: in vitro muscle performance
- Source :
- The Journal of experimental biology. 210(Pt 21)
- Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- SUMMARYThe pectoralis muscles are the main source of mechanical power for avian flight. The power output of these muscles must be modulated to meet the changing power requirements of flight across a range of speeds. This can be achieved at the muscle level by manipulation of strain trajectory and recruitment patterns, and/or by intermittent flight strategies. We have measured the in vitro power outputs of pectoralis muscle fascicles from budgerigars Melopsittacus undulatus and zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata under conditions replicating those previously measured in vivo during flight. This has allowed us to quantify the extent to which different power modulation mechanisms control flight muscle power output. Intermittent flight behaviour is a more important determinant of flight power in zebra finches than budgerigars. This behaviour accounts for 25ā62% of power modulation relative to the maximum available mechanical power output in zebra finch, compared to 0ā38% in budgerigars. Muscle level changes in fascicle strain trajectory and motor unit recruitment, rather than intermittent flight behaviours, are the main determinants of pectoralis muscle power output in budgerigars at all speeds, and in zebra finch at speeds below 14 m sā1.
- Subjects :
- Physiology
Zoology
Aquatic Science
In Vitro Techniques
Pectoralis Muscles
Isometric Contraction
Animals
Isotonic Contraction
Melopsittacus
Pectoralis Muscle
Molecular Biology
Zebra finch
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
biology
Anatomy
Fascicle
biology.organism_classification
Biomechanical Phenomena
Modulation
Muscle power
Insect Science
Flight, Animal
Motor unit recruitment
Animal Science and Zoology
Finches
Taeniopygia
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 00220949
- Volume :
- 210
- Issue :
- Pt 21
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- The Journal of experimental biology
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....6643e59949ad5efa5a3c36064035b392