The Trunk

[BrokenWing]

BrokenWing Chronicles
The Trunk



The trunk is the whole body of the bird between the neck and the tail. It is divided into the thorax,  abdomen and pelvis. The thorax is bounded by the rib cage, sternum (keel) and vertebral column (backbones). The abdomen and pelvis aren't separated by any well-defined boundaries. The top part of the trunk is divided into the  back and rump. The region between the right and left shoulder blades (scapulae) is called the  interscapular region, and often carries distinctive streaks or colors. The whole back, combined with the top surface of the wings, is called the mantle. Often these anatomical descriptions are used by judges during bird shows. The side area of the trunk is called the flank. The underside is divided into the breast,  belly and  undertail. Another area, the  crissum, refers to the general area around the vent, along with the undertail covert feathers. The term, vent, should only be used to describe the actual orifice, and not the general area under the tail.



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