Origin and distribution of brachial plexus of macaws (Ara spp., Linnaeus, 1758)

• Grant number: 12/04543-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2012
• End date: April 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Maria Angelica Miglino
• Grantee: Kamal Achôa Filho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The macaws (Ara spp, Linnaeus, 1758) are birds belonging to the order Psittaciformes, which include parrots, parakeet and others. These living in couples and together for all life. Its vocalization unmistakable and colors are strong and cheerful. It is the bird species that most representing Brazil. Currently, there are six recognized species of Macaws: Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus. Anodorhynchus leari, Anodorhynchus glaucus. Ararauna Ara, Ara macao and Ara chloropterus. The wings, his locomotive main member, are endowed with complex vascular structures, nerve and muscle. Its strong muscles are innervated by nerves of the Brachial Plexus. The wings can be affected by a number of injuries of traumatic origin or saline solution, including both birds found in fish farms and free-living birds. However, the domestication and animals trafficking are among the main causes of the serious injuries on the wings that leading to total loss function this organ. Thereby, this paper aims to describe the origin and insertion of the brachial plexus in macaws (Ara spp) in order to contribute to the knowledge of the anatomy of this species.