Morphological work on the appendicular myology of birds forms the basis for comparative, functional and systematic studies, but our knowledge of the descriptive anatomy of birds is still very incomplete. The musculature of the wing muscles of the Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), an endemic species of China, is studied in detail. All wing muscles are present as in other Galliformes. Myological characteristics including the absence of a deep layer of M. pectoralis pars thoracicus, well development of anterbrachial muscles, as well as the occurrence of a distinct fleshy slip from the proximal belly of M. biceps brachii, are suggested to be associated with its flapping flight. This paper is the prelude to functional analysis on muscle architecture in this species and may serve as a basis for future taxonomic comparisons.
KEY WORDS: Golden Pheasant; Forelimb musculature; Anatomy; Flight style; Function.
ZHANG, Z. & YANG, Y. Forelimb Myology of the Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus). Int. J. Morphol., 31(4):1482-1490, 2013.
