Meeting Abstract

P3.190  Sunday, Jan. 6  A Geometric and Kinematic Backbone Model of the Cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus KENNEDY, N.K.*; BHATT, R.; VAN VALKENBURGH, B.; Univ. of California, Los Angeles; Univ. of California, Los Angeles; Univ. of California, Los Angeles natalia.k.kennedy@ucla.edu

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, partly due to their spinal flexibility. Surprisingly, there has never been a detailed study of the musculoskeletal anatomy and function of their vertebral column despite the obvious contributions it makes to cheetah speed through extreme flexion and extension. Using anatomical data, radiographs, and 3-D laser scanning, a geometric and kinematic computer model of the vertebral column of the cheetah was created. This model allows a clearer understanding of the spinal flexibility of the cheetah, as well as which specific areas are fundamental in providing the vertebral column flexibility necessary for fast running.