Detailed information on the characteristics of the tiger: Skeleton, Internal Organs, What is a Mammal?

Skeleton:

Cats are particularly flexible, this is due to the structure of their body. Felids have:

30 spinal vertebrae which extend all the way to the tip of the tail. This is 5 more than is found in humans.

Scapulae (shoulder bones) which are attached to the sides of the body by muscle.

Pliable discs of the bone-like substance fibrocartilage.

A small floating clavicle attached to the body by muscle.

Hind legs which are longer than the forelegs. It is this that enables them to jump long distances.

Note: The above model does not show the clavicle as it is not directly attached to the skeleton. In humans the clavicle is better known as the collarbone.

Felids, like humans, other mammals and birds, have an endoskeleton. This is where the framework is located on the inside of the body.

Insects have an exoskeleton which is found on the outside of the body and is shell-like.

The skeleton of the lion and tiger are so alike that without the skin it is almost impossible to tell them apart, presenting even the best experts with a great challenge. This is perhaps not so surprising when you consider that the same bones are present in all mammalian species, only the size and shape varies.

Skeleton & Internal Organs - Page 1: Skeleton | 2: Internal Organs

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