![]() The trunk of the African elephant may be more extendable, but that of the Asian elephant is probably more dexterous.Īfrican savanna elephant ( Loxodonta africana) eating cactus leaves. An Asian elephant most often curls the tip of its trunk around an item and picks it up in a method called the “grasp,” whereas the African elephant uses the “pinch,” picking up objects in a manner similar to that of a human’s use of the thumb and index finger. African elephants have two such extremities (one above and one below) Asian elephants have one. At the end of the trunk are flaplike projections enabling it to perform amazingly delicate functions, such as picking up a coin from a flat surface or cracking a peanut open, blowing away the shell, and putting the kernel in the mouth. Bifurcations of this nerve reach most portions of the trunk, especially the tip, which is equipped with tactile bristles at regular intervals. The trunk is innervated by two proboscidean nerves, which render it extremely sensitive. A total of nearly 150,000 muscle fascicles have been counted in cross sections of trunk. Within the trunk is an extremely complex network of radiating and transverse muscle fascicles that provide fine movement. A major muscle covering the top and sides functions to raise the trunk another covers the bottom. However, it is also extremely dexterous, mobile, and sensitive, which makes it appear almost independent of the rest of the animal. The trunk is large and powerful, weighing about 130 kg (290 pounds) in an adult male and capable of lifting a load of about 250 kg. ![]() ![]() Anatomically, the trunk is a combination of the upper lip and nose the nostrils are located at the tip. ![]() This structure is unique to members of the order Proboscidea, which includes the extinct mastodons and mammoths. The trunk, or proboscis, of the elephant is one of the most versatile organs to have evolved among mammals. Ross Form and function The trunk (proboscis) SpaceNext50 Britannica presents SpaceNext50, From the race to the Moon to space stewardship, we explore a wide range of subjects that feed our curiosity about space!Īsian elephant ( Elephas maximus).Learn about the major environmental problems facing our planet and what can be done about them! Saving Earth Britannica Presents Earth’s To-Do List for the 21st Century.Britannica Beyond We’ve created a new place where questions are at the center of learning.100 Women Britannica celebrates the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment, highlighting suffragists and history-making politicians.COVID-19 Portal While this global health crisis continues to evolve, it can be useful to look to past pandemics to better understand how to respond today.Student Portal Britannica is the ultimate student resource for key school subjects like history, government, literature, and more.From tech to household and wellness products. This Time in History In these videos, find out what happened this month (or any month!) in history.#WTFact Videos In #WTFact Britannica shares some of the most bizarre facts we can find.Demystified Videos In Demystified, Britannica has all the answers to your burning questions.Britannica Explains In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions.Britannica Classics Check out these retro videos from Encyclopedia Britannica’s archives.
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