The wishbone is the furcula.
The furcula, commonly known as the wishbone, is a forked bone found in birds and some reptiles. It's formed by the fusion of the two clavicles (collarbones). In birds, it plays a key role in flight.
Here's a breakdown:
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Structure: The wishbone is typically Y-shaped or V-shaped.
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Formation: It's created by the joining of the bird's two clavicles.
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Function:
- Strengthening the Shoulder Girdle: The furcula helps brace the bird's shoulders against the stresses of flight.
- Assisting in Respiration: It may also play a role in the bird's breathing mechanism.
- Energy Storage: Some researchers suggest it functions as a spring, storing energy as the bird flaps its wings and releasing it on the upstroke.
Therefore, when you're making a wish while breaking a wishbone, you're actually dealing with the furcula, a fused pair of collarbones.
