THE INFLUENCE OF THE TYPE OF LOCOMOTION ON THE GROWTH OF THE HINDLIMB MUSCLES. A COMPARISON BETWEEN NORMAL AND BIPEDAL RATS

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Abstract
The total weight of the hindlimb musculature is (on the average) 3% heavier in bipedal rats than in quadrupedal rats of the same body weight. The hindlimb musculature shows allometric growth in both quadrupedal and bipedal rats. The differences between the muscle proportions of male and female rats and those of rats belonging to different age groups are primarily due to different body weights. Sex and age do not affect muscle proportions other than through body weight. Allometric growth appears from the bigger rats generally having more developed hip and thigh muscles, relative to the leg muscles, than the smaller rats. The relative growth rates of corresponding muscles are the same for bipedal and quadrupedal rats for the size range considered. Practically all the hindlimb muscles of bipedal rats have relative weights corresponding to those in quadrupedal rats of a heavier body weight. This is an adaptation to the additional weight strain on the hindlimbs. Other alterations in muscle proportions may be due to the altered posture and locomotion of bipedal rats.

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