Músculos antebraquiais do mico-leão-preto (Leontopithecus chrysopygus)

Abstract

Leontopithecus chrysopygus (black-lion tamarin) is a New World primate species distributed throughout the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The species is threatened due to habitat anthropization. Although developing, studies on the myology of the genus Leontopithecus can provide tools for a better understanding of ecological variables and support procedures in primate medicine. The aim was to analyze the anatomy of the forearm muscles in L. chrysopygus. Six thoracic limbs from five adult male specimens were dissected. The muscles were described in terms of their attachment points and their mass was measured. Functional muscle groups were established for comparison purposes. The muscle positioning resembled other Platyrrhini species, but intraspecific variations were found. The highest average mass was in the deep digital flexor muscle, while the lowest was in the extensor muscle of digit II. The muscle adaptations reflect a strong demand for grasping strength in arboreal locomotion.