patagium


In four legged animals, the patagium is a fold of skin from the body that extends between the fore leg and hind leg (wrist to ankle). This membrane acts almost like a parachute, catching the air and helping the animal glide between branches. Found in sugar gliders and flying squirrels, among other animals.

The term patagium is also used in reference to bats (the membranous folds of skin that forms the wings), and birds (the expandable fold of skin between the body and the wings).

Pronunciation: pah-tay-gee-um

Example: The patagium, when expanded, allows the sugar glider to glide between branches.

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Last Edited March 24, 2007


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