Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Ribcage in Birds, Crocodiles, and Dinosaurs

This lecture presented by Dr. Yan-Yin Wang from MacEwan University explores the anatomy and biomechanical functions of ribcages in archosaurs - the group encompassing birds, crocodiles, and their fossil relatives including dinosaurs. Delve into the structural composition of ribcages and their crucial role in breathing mechanisms across these species. Learn how scientists define ribcages based on detailed vertebral morphology and discover the significance of the uncinate process in archosaur anatomy. The presentation demonstrates how modern 3D modeling techniques are employed to simulate breathing movements and infer muscle functions in these animals, providing valuable insights into comparative anatomy and evolutionary adaptations of respiratory systems.