In vivo quantification of mechanical properties of caudal fins in adult zebrafish.
J Exp Biol
; 221(Pt 4)2018 02 20.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29246971
ABSTRACT
The caudal fins of adult zebrafish are supported by multiple bony rays that are laterally interconnected by soft interray tissue. Little is known about the fin's mechanical properties that influence bending in response to hydrodynamic forces during swimming. Here, we developed an experimental setup to measure the elastic properties of caudal fins in vivo by applying micro-Newton forces to obtain bending stiffness and a tensional modulus. We detected overall bending moments of 1.5×10-9-4×10-9 N m2 along the proximal-distal axis of the appendage showing a non-monotonous pattern that was not due to the geometry of the fin itself. Surgical disruption of the interray tissues along the proximal-distal axis revealed no significant changes to the overall bending stiffness, which we confirmed by determining a tensional modulus of the interray tissue. Thus, the biophysical values suggest that the flexibility of the fin during its hydrodynamic performance predominantly relies on the mechanical properties of the rays.
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Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Fisiologia
/
Natação
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Peixe-Zebra
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Nadadeiras de Animais
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Exp Biol
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Suíça