MODIFIED NECK MUSCULAR SYSTEM OF THE GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA-CAMELOPARDALIS)

The muscular and skeletal systems of the long neck were morphologicall y examined in order to clarify their modification and their functional significance in the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). The longissimus , the thoracic and cervical, spinalis and semispinalis, the cranial an d caudal head oblique, and the multifidus muscles, and the nuchal liga ment were observed at their origin and insertion. The atlas, axis, and the third cervical vertebra were measured and examined. The modified spinous processes provided the large attachment surface for the strong nuchal ligament and for the muscles of the axis and other cervical ve rtebrae, while the muscle tendons had their origin in the ventrocaudal ly-enlarged transverse process. It is concluded that the modified musc les with their expanded belly and tendon have the functions of occupyi ng the interspace among long vertebrae, and also of supporting the hea d and neck by means of their wide attachment to the altered vertebral processes.