Meeting Abstract
Fishes utilize their axial musculature to power undulatory swimming. Axial muscles produce forces, which are transmitted to the vertebral column to bend the body. These muscles are organized into discrete segments (myomeres), which can be individually recruited and have a three-dimensional shape resembling a series of interlocking chevrons. Our understanding of the mechanics of axial musculature has been hindered by their morphological complexity. In this study we use common carp, Cyprinus carpio, as a model system to better understand how myomeres from different regions of the body transmit forces to the axial skeleton. We use an in situ preparation to artificially stimulate individual myomeres in the anterior, medial, and posterior regions of an anesthetized fish, while measuring the location of forces being applied to the vertebral column. Muscle forces imparted on the vertebral column are measured using two force transducers mounted onto the clamps attached to either end of the vertebral column. The relative magnitude of the forces at either end of the vertebral column allows us to localize the forces generated by each myomere. Our preliminary results suggest the trajectory of forces produced by individual myomeres varies along the length of the body with anterior myomeres imparting forces more posteriorly. By investigating the mechanical role of muscles in various regions of the body, we aim to relate the structural complexity of fish axial muscles to the recruitment patterns observed in vivo. The results of this study will serve as an important step in developing a fundamental link between morphological features of the axial system and swimming mechanics of the most diverse vertebrate group.
