Morphological characteristics of the forelimb flexor digitorum muscles and their distinctive innervation pattern in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus): implications for function and morphogenesis

Abstract

Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are marsupials highly specialized for arboreal life and are considered a representative example of convergent evolution with primates, which are also adapted to arboreal habitats. The forelimb digital flexors play a crucial role in arboreal locomotion by flexing the digits and enabling the claws or fingers to engage with tree trunks and branches. Although the morphology and function of the digital flexors have been extensively examined in primates, anatomical information on koala digital flexors has not been sufficiently updated in modern anatomical studies. In this study, we examined the digital flexor muscles and their innervation in four forelimbs from three koalas to clarify both shared and distinctive structural features among arboreal mammals. The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) was markedly developed, formed a U-shaped muscle belly, and received dual innervation from the median and ulnar nerves. In contrast, the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) was small, arose from the superficial surface of the FDP, was partially enclosed by the FDP muscle belly, and gave rise to extremely slender tendons inserting into digits II-V. The branch supplying the FDS arose from the main trunk of the median nerve near the carpal region, ascended proximally in a recurrent course, and terminated within the FDS. This unusual course may be consistent with a morphogenetic process underlying FDS formation. These findings indicate that the koala digital flexors are characterized by a markedly developed FDP, a relatively reduced FDS, and a distinctive innervation pattern of the FDS. Thus, even among mammals adapted to arboreal life, koalas and primates appear to have achieved arboreal adaptation through different morphological specializations within the forearm digital flexor system.