Descriptive and functional morphology of the neck and forelimb of the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena, L. 1758).

The musculature of the neck and the forelimb of Hyaena hyaena is described and the biomechanical implications of some morphological aspects of muscles and skeleton are discussed. The extensors of the head and neck, the protractors and retractors of the forelimb and the extensors of the shoulder, elbow and carpal joints are relatively stronger developed than those in Canidae and Felidae. Moreover these muscles have larger moments about the joints. This is considered as an adaptation to lifting and carrying large and heavy prey or carrion.