furcula
furcula
1. (furca) The springing organ of Collembola, which arises from the fourth or fifth abdominal segment. The furcula comprises a single basal portion, the manubrium, which gives rise to two dens, which terminate in lamellate mucrones (see MUCRO). It is bent forwards and beneath the body to engage on a ventral tube or retinaculum, which acts as a catch. When the furcula is released, the energy stored propels the animal upwards and forwards, sometimes in a tumbling fashion.
2. The wishbone of birds and some Therapoda, supposedly formed by the fusion of clavicles and interclavicle.
1. (furca) The springing organ of Collembola, which arises from the fourth or fifth abdominal segment. The furcula comprises a single basal portion, the manubrium, which gives rise to two dens, which terminate in lamellate mucrones (see MUCRO). It is bent forwards and beneath the body to engage on a ventral tube or retinaculum, which acts as a catch. When the furcula is released, the energy stored propels the animal upwards and forwards, sometimes in a tumbling fashion.
2. The wishbone of birds and some Therapoda, supposedly formed by the fusion of clavicles and interclavicle.
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furcula