Origin and insertion of the nerves constituting the braquial plexus of the roadside hawk.

Derek L Machado,Thiago Lezardo,Juliana P Guimarães,Karina M Gagliardo,Naianne K Clebis

doi:10.1590/0001-3765202120191209

Abstract

The roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris) is a free-living bird that commonly has wing injuries caused by man-made obstacles when flying. Studies that describe the topographic anatomy of the wings of this species are necessary to assist in the treatment of possible wing lesions. For this reason, the present work aimed to describe the origin and insertion of the nerves that constitute the brachial plexus in roadside hawks. Five roadside hawk carcasses donated to the Animal Anatomy Laboratory of the São Judas University Center, UNIMONTE campus, by CEPTAS (Center for Research and Screening of Wild Animals) were used for the study. The brachial plexus of the roadside hawk was formed by the union of the ventral branches of the spinal nerves located between C9-C10-T1-T2-T3. The ventral branches joined together and formed four short trunks which later united again by exchanging nerve fibers and constituting a big caliber branch. This is divided into two nerve cords (dorsal and ventral) which are destined to specific muscular groupings. The dorsal cord originates the axillary, anconeal and radial nerves, and is responsible for innervating the extensor muscles. The ventral cord originates the pectoral, bicipital, median-ulnar, median and ulnar nerves, and is responsible for innervating the flexor muscles.

Highlights

The great diversity of Brazilian territory allows the existence of a large number of taxonomic groups (ICMBIO 2018)
The roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris), known by the names of anajé, indaiéhawk, inajé, ripino, indaié and pega-pinto, is a bird of the accipitridae family observed from Mexico to Argentina
The nerve roots were individualized near the vertebral column in order to observe which ventral branches of the cervical and thoracic spinal nerves contribute to forming the brachial plexus

Summary

Introduction

The great diversity of Brazilian territory (flora and fauna) allows the existence of a large number of taxonomic groups (ICMBIO 2018). The roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris), known by the names of anajé, indaiéhawk, inajé, ripino, indaié and pega-pinto, is a bird of the accipitridae family observed from Mexico to Argentina. It is classified as a bird of prey, meaning a carnivorous bird that presents certain adaptations for active hunting (Santos & Rosado 2009, Santos et al 2009). The roadside hawk is characterized by a sharp and curved beak, well-developed and strong claws, as well as excellent vision and hearing, giving this animal hunting ability (Brown 1997, Silva 2016) It presents a great variation in its plumage colors according to the region of the country. It feeds on large insects, lizards, small snakes, birds such as ground doves and sparrows, and can catch bats in daytime landings (Robinson 1994, Sick 1997)

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