PULLEY BONE Meaning and
Definition
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A pulley bone refers to a small, U-shaped bone found in the shoulder joint of certain animals, primarily in birds and some mammals. The pulley bone, also known as the wishbone or furcula, consists of two slender, forked branches that originate from the sternum and are generally joined together at their base. This unique bone structure resembles a pulley wheel, hence the term "pulley bone."
In birds, the pulley bone plays a crucial role in flight and is an essential part of their skeletal system. It acts as a support structure for the powerful muscles required for wing movement. The pulley bone aids in distributing the force generated by the flight muscles evenly, assisting in the efficient flapping and movement of the wings. Additionally, it helps stabilize the shoulder joint, allowing for a more coordinated and controlled range of motion during flight.
Similarly, in certain mammals, such as the kangaroo, opossum, and some reptiles, the pulley bone assists in locomotion by providing support and flexibility to the thorax region. It aids in the efficient movement of the forelimbs and makes hopping or climbing easier.
The delicate and symmetrical nature of the pulley bone has also made it a traditional symbol associated with good luck and granted wishes. Its breakage during a wish-making ritual is often thought to bring about good fortune or the fulfillment of a desire. Consequently, the pulley bone has gained cultural significance in various superstitions and folklore throughout history.
Common Misspellings for PULLEY BONE
- oulley bone
- lulley bone
- -ulley bone
- 0ulley bone
- pylley bone
- phlley bone
- pjlley bone
- pilley bone
- p8lley bone
- p7lley bone
- pukley bone
- pupley bone
- puoley bone
- pulkey bone
- pulpey bone
- puloey bone
- pullwy bone
- pullsy bone
- pulldy bone
- pullry bone
Etymology of PULLEY BONE
The term "pulley bone" is derived from the combination of two words, "pulley" and "bone".
The word "pulley" dates back to the 14th century and comes from the Old French word "polie" or "poulie", meaning "hook" or "pulley". This term was used in association with mechanical devices that consisted of a wheel with a grooved rim, used to support a rope or cable, which in turn facilitates the movement of heavy objects. Over time, "pulley" became the established term for such devices.
The word "bone" comes from the Old English word "ban", which has ancient Germanic roots. It has been used to refer to the hard tissue forming the skeleton of vertebrates since the earliest recorded times.
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