We thus clearly see that the sternum, scapulæ, and furcula are all reduced in proportional length; but when we turn to the wings we find what at first appears a wholly different and unexpected result.
The arms of the furcula in all the specimens which I compared, diverged less, proportionally with the size of body, than in the rock-pigeon; and the whole furcula was proportionally shorter.
In a barb, which in all its measurements was a little larger than the same rock-pigeon, the furcula was a quarter of an inch shorter.
In a pouter, the furcula had not been lengthened proportionally with the increased length of the body.
This unique arrangement seems to be correlated with the enormously capacious crop, which rests upon the furcula and fore part of the sternum, and is also received in a cavity formed on the surface of each of the great pectoral muscles.
The keel is pushed back to the distal third of the sternum, whilst the original anterior margin of the keel is correspondingly elongated, and the furcula fused with the rostral portion.
The furcula coalesces firmly at its symphysis with the carina of the sternum, and also with the coracoids at the upper extremity of each of its rami, the anterior end of each coracoid coalescing also with the proximal end of the scapula.
The arms of the furcula in all the specimens which I compared, diverged less, proportionally with the size of body, than in the rock-pigeon; and the whole furculum was proportionally shorter.
The above list will hopefully give you a few useful examples demonstrating the appropriate usage of "furcula" in a variety of sentences. We hope that you will now be able to make sentences using this word. Other words: branch; crutch; delta; fan; fork; groin; offshoot; prong; ramification; stem; trident; wishbone
