Notarium

Notarium is a unique anatomical structure found in the skeletal system of certain species of birds. The Notarium is a fused section of the thoracic vertebrae, typically involving the 10th, 11th, and 12th vertebrae. This fusion creates a rigid structure that provides additional support for the flight muscles and the wings.

Structure

The Notarium is a complex structure that involves the fusion of several thoracic vertebrae. This fusion results in a rigid, plate-like structure that spans the width of the bird's body. The fused vertebrae are typically the 10th, 11th, and 12th thoracic vertebrae, although the exact number can vary between species.

Function

The primary function of the Notarium is to provide additional support for the flight muscles and the wings. The rigidity of the notarium helps to stabilize the bird's body during flight, reducing the amount of energy required to maintain balance and control. In addition, the notarium also serves as a point of attachment for several important flight muscles, including the pectoralis major and the supracoracoideus.

Species with Notarium

Not all bird species possess a Notarium. It is most commonly found in species that engage in powerful or sustained flight, such as eagles, hawks, and falcons. However, it is also present in some species that are not strong fliers, such as penguins and ostriches. The presence or absence of a notarium can provide important clues about a bird's evolutionary history and its adaptations for flight or lack thereof.

See also

• Bird anatomy
• Vertebrae
• Flight muscles