1. Avian Anatomy

2. Skeleton Modified for flight Reduced mass
Supports flight muscles (pectoral girdle, keel/sternum)
Withstands stress of flight
Wings – fewer, fused digits
Reduced mass
Pneumatic bones- major bones hollow with struts, air spaces connected to respiratory system
Fused bones- adds rigidity
Lack teeth- lightweight beak

3. Fused bones:
Brain Case
Furcula: pair of clavicles
Thoracic vertebrae to ribs
Synsacrum: ilium, ischium, lumbar , sacral, and first 6 caudal vertebrae
Pygostyle: final few caudal vertebrae
Also fused bones in legs and wings
Also note:
Uncinate processes
Sternum/keel
Arrangement and reduced number of digits
More specifics on handout

4. Pneumatic Bone Not completely hollow, has struts
Connected to respiratory system
Major bones of body pneumatic

5. Main Flight Muscles Pectoralis- downstroke Supracoracodieus- upstroke
Complex muscles

6. Digestive System
Crop
Gizzard
Colic caeca

7. Respiratory System Very efficient Unidirectional air flow
System of air sacs
Average of 9
Serve variety of functions
Lack muscular diaphragm

8. Rest of Lab: Go through handout Look at skeletons, ID bones
Preserved specimens, dissection and air sacks