MORPHOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL ADAPTATIONS OF THE TIGER VERTEBRAL COLUMN: INSIGHTS INTO LOCOMOTION AND PREDATORY DYNAMICS
REVISTA ROMANA DE MEDICINA VETERINARA, cilt.36, sa.2, ss.21-28, 2026 (ESCI)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 36 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Dergi Adı: REVISTA ROMANA DE MEDICINA VETERINARA
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.21-28
- İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet
Özet
Carnivores are known for their remarkable spinal mobility, which gives them the ability to run fast and make long jumps, positioning them among mammals as the most efficient predators. The morphological study of the spine in Panthera tigris reveals the interdependence between anatomical stability and functional flexibility. The spine performs several mechanical functions simultaneously: it supports the body's weight, allows the trunk to move, and protects the spinal cord. Although they show characteristics found in carnivores, the atlas and axis in tigers are adapted to perform a wide range of head movements, optimizing both mobility and regional stability. Thus, the pronounced concavity of the articular surfaces of the atlas in tigers (C1) and the depth of the alar incisions facilitate superior distribution of shear forces during sudden maneuvers. The odontoid process of the axis (C2), with its specific cylindrical-conical shape and its ligamentous complex in the fovea dentis, sacrifices part of the full rotation of the neck to improve the stability necessary for binocular vision. This limitation of rotational movements allows for rapid scanning of the environment and quick adjustment of head position during attack. The morphometric transition to the posterior segment highlights adaptation to hunting dynamics. The morphological configuration of the lumbar region-defined by a shortened and robust segment length, the cranio-ventrolateral orientation of the transverse processes, and the high degree of development of the mammillo-articular processes-optimizes the spine's resistance to torsional forces. This anatomical architecture simultaneously provides the indispensable lever arm for generating the propulsive force of the entire body. The accessory processes, present at L1- L5, stabilize the spine during propulsion and progressively reduce towards the sacral junction (L6-L7) to allow mobility of the region. The morphological features of the sacrum in tigers reflect effective adaptation for both movement and regional stability, as revealed by the shape and extent of the articular surfaces, allowing resistance to the stress caused by the intensity and diversity of mechanical loads caused by the involvement of the pelvic limbs in propulsion. The morphology of the tiger's spine reflects a biomechanical adaptation that optimizes flexibility and regional stability, facilitating the rapid and precise movements so necessary in hunting and contributing to its efficiency as a predator and, implicitly, to the survival of the species.