Explain the ability of the owl to turn 270 degrees

(Scientists have explained why the head turns without breaking the blood supply to the brain.

>>> Video: The ability to spin the head of the owl

Scientists at Jonns Hopkins University Medical College have discovered four major adaptations that make it easier for owl species to move their necks easily. They conducted research on snowflakes, stripes and horns that died from natural causes.

Biological mysteries allow owl species to turn their heads without breaking their blood supply eventually being cleared up.

The four main adaptive traits help the owl avoid injury when they turn the corner up to 270 degrees. Research shows that this bird's unique bone structure and its unique vascular system help them move flexibly.

Scientists at the Jonns Hopkins College of Medicine in the US have noticed more arteries in the vertebrae and neck of the owl than in other birds, creating more sag. So owls have a wide view without having to move their bodies and touch the detection by prey.

Vascular connections are found between the carotid artery and the vertebrae.

When studying the dead corpses due to natural causes, they found that unlike humans, owls have a connection to small blood vessels between the carotid arteries and vertebrae, allowing blood to be exchanged between the blood vessel. This makes the blood flow to the brain uninterrupted even when the owl turns its head.

In humans there is no such adaptive trait, so it is easy to explain why people are prone to neck injuries.

The carotid arteries and neck vertebrae of most animals - including owls and humans are very fragile and sensitive even with tiny cracks of blood vessel walls.

To conduct the study, the scientists injected a contrast material to highlight the blood vessels of the bird, then proceeded to perform an autopsy, extract and scan for detailed analysis.

The most striking finding was obtained after researchers injected the dye into the arteries of the owls, simulating blood flow and turning the heads of the birds themselves.

The blood vessels at the base of the head, just below the jawbone, continue to widen as more dyes enter, and before the fluids pool in larger vessels (bulges).

This is in stark contrast to human anatomy, arteries often tend to be smaller and not bulge when branching.

The researchers said that the contractile activity of blood-bearing bulges is like an exchange that allows owls to divide blood in response to the energy needs of the brain and big eyes. them while they turn their heads.

The vascular network supports with a lot of connections and their adaptation helps minimize any interruption in blood flow.

Dr Gailloud added: "Our new research results show that these precise morphological adaptations are essential to address head turning and why humans are so vulnerable to injury. bones by the spinal treatments ".

'The strong manipulation of the human head is really dangerous because we don't have many characteristics to protect the blood vessels as seen in the owl species'.

The results of the authors' study are published in the journal Science.