carina

• Nom désignant toute structure ou crête en forme de quille, comme la crête du sternum chez les oiseaux ou la structure formée par les pétales soudés d'une fleur de pois.

A noun referring to any of various keel-shaped structures or ridges, such as the ridge on the breastbone of a bird or the structure formed by the fused petals of a pea blossom.

1. Keel-shaped structure in anatomyC1formalscientific

   A keel-like ridge or structure, especially the prominent ridge on the breastbone (sternum) of birds to which flight muscles attach.

   Carène (en anatomie)

   • The carina of a bird's sternum provides a large surface area for flight muscle attachment.
   • In many birds, the carina is highly developed to support powerful wing movements.
   • The fossil showed a well-preserved carina, indicating the species was capable of flight.

   Synonymeskeel

2. Keel of a flowerC1formalscientific

   The fused, boat-shaped lower petals of a pea or bean flower (Fabaceae family).

   Carène (fleur)

   • The carina of a sweet pea flower encloses the reproductive organs.
   • Botanists often examine the carina to identify different legume species.
   • The carina is one of the five petals in a typical papilionaceous flower.

   Synonymeskeel