The Morphologic Structure of Some Wing Muscles in the Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

Abstract

Avians use significant amounts of energy during flight that is supplied by muscles. The Common Pheasant, a member of the Phasianidae family, can fly swiftly over short distances and flies to evade predators. Pheasant species are terrestrial and have a global distribution. This investigation aimed to analyze the anatomical structure of skeletal muscles in pheasants. A cohort of 20 adult pheasants consisting of an equal number of females and males (10 each) was used. Dissections were performed on 5 females and 5 male pheasants for macroscopic evaluation. The remaining samples underwent immunohistochemical staining using an antimyoglobin antibody to measure the amount of myoglobin using a semiquantitative method. The wing muscles (musculi membri thoracici) were identified by examining the places where they originate and insert. The muscles of the pheasant wing are arranged to enable the bird to perform elevation, depression, rotation, flexion, and extension motions when flying. The myoglobin levels were highly concentrated to maintain stability in the elbow joint during flapping flight, and this can be attributed to the higher energy demand for extension while in flight. The ligaments in the propatagium maintain wing flexion in the natural position of the wing without requiring energy expenditure. Furthermore, the disparity in air velocity between the lower portion of the wing and the air moving above it contributes to the ease of wing movement during flight. The energy needed to maintain wing extension during flight may be attributed to the essential need for flight.