Anatomical study of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) foot locomotor system

Abstract

The Ostrich is a native bird of Africa, and is highly accomplished in terrestrial locomotion in desert and grassland environments. The foot is an important segment in the ostrich body, critical for damping vibration, absorbing energy, and maintaining balance; however, detailed information on the ostrich foot is sparse. In this study, the gross anatomy of locomotor system of the ostrich foot was investigated using dissection and medical scan modeling. The paper contains a detailed study of the organizational structure and relative positional relationship of bones, tendons, and ligaments, which can be used for further three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, providing a solid foundation for the research of high speed, heavy load, and shock absorption mechanisms. The study also provides a theoretical basis for the research of robot travelling mechanisms and vehicles traversing desert or planetary terrain.