Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects
Published on: April 13, 2011
Functional anatomy of gliding membrane muscles in the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps)
H Endo1, K Yokokawa, M Kurohmaru
1Department of Zoology, National Science Museum, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
In order to clarify the morphological adaptation for gliding behavior in the marsupial mammals, the gliding membrane muscles in the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) were observed. Unlike the styliform cartilage in flying squirrels, the sugar glider has a well-developed tibiocarpalis muscle in the most lateral area of the gliding membrane. The gliding membrane substantially consists of the humerodorsalis and tibioabdominalis muscle complex. We believe that the thick tibiocarpalis bundle and the humerodorsalis and tibioabdominalis muscle complex may serve as a membrane controller in the gliding behavior. A characteristic thin membranous structure between the cutaneous and deeper muscles was observed. In addition to the direct powerful control exerted by trunk and limb movement, we suggest that indirect power conduction by this thin membranous structure may contribute to gliding membrane control.
Related Concept Videos
Skeletal Muscle Anatomy
Overview of Skeletal Muscle
Gross Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles
Microscopic Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles
The muscle sarcolemma is a plasma membrane enclosing each muscle cell that conducts electrical signals called action potentials. The sarcolemma extends into the cell to form T-tubules, ensuring the neural impulses are uniformly distributed across the entire muscle...
Fascicle Arrangement in Skeletal Muscles
The four primary types of muscle based on fascicle arrangement are:
Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...

