As we well know, mice are small rodents that we can find free in numerous natural habitats or as domestic animals in many family homes. Despite the rejection that they may cause if we come across one of these small mammals, as happens with rats, it is worth noting their peculiar intelligence and other very characteristic aspects of mice.
This is the case of their skeletal system, since many of us have wondered how these animals are able to move so agilely entering certain places. For this reason, in this article on our site we will address such an important topic as: Do mice have bones?
What is the skeleton of mice like?
The skeleton of mice is very similar to that of any other mammal and especially that of any other rodent, as it has an elongated skull, a long backbone made up of a large number of vertebrae, four legs marchers or limbs consisting of the humerus, ulna and radius, and femur, tibia and fibula, a series of phalanges and other bony structures such as the ribs or the pelvis. These are the main functions performed by some of the bones found in mice:
- Skull: its functions include protecting the most important structure, the brain. At the same time, it supports other organs, such as the eyes.
- Vertebral column: allows the body to articulate and protects the spinal cord, mainly. Therefore, the importance of the spine when it comes to avoiding injuries to the nervous system.
- Ribs: form the rib cage of the animal, housing and protecting organs as important as the heart or lungs inside.
- Pelvis: Protects the pelvic organs while providing mechanical support. In addition, it articulates the lower part of the trunk with the hind limbs.
- Limb bones: Together with the muscles, it allows the animal to move. The hind legs are longer, allowing them to propel themselves very well.
However, even though they look very similar physically, it is important not to confuse a rat with a mouse. To help you differentiate them, we leave you this other article on our site about Differences between rat and mouse.
How many bones does a mouse have?
As we have already mentioned, mice, like other rodents, have vertebrae. This answers our question about whether mice are vertebrates Unlike other animals, such as insects or annelids, vertebrates are animals that, in addition to having a vertebral column, present skull, brain and even extremities, among others. This has also allowed it to develop a complex nervous system along with highly developed sense organs.
Considering that mice have 7 cervical vertebrae, 13 thoracic vertebrae, 4-6 lumbar vertebrae, a variable number of caudal vertebrae, 13 pairs of ribs and endless bony structures that make up the skull, the scapula, the metacarpus, the metatarsus, the phalanges, etc., we can say that mice have more than 200 small bones throughout their entire body.
If you are interested in these beautiful animals because you are thinking of adopting one, we encourage you to read this other article on What do mice eat?
Why are mice so flexible?
Many times we have been amazed at the ability of mice to pass through gaps of just a few centimeters. Although they are small animals, whose size is not in itself a big problem for passing through fairly narrow places, the explanation for this great flexibility lies in the looseness between each of the small vertebrae that make up the spine of the mouse. In this way, they can be bent very easily, appearing to have a rubber skeleton.
By verifying that its head, the largest structure of the animal, can pass through certain small spaces, the rest of the body will not be a problem. But how are they able to tell if their head fits into these tiny holes? Thanks to the intelligence of these small rodents and their sensory organs, including touch through From their whiskers or their small hands, they can perceive distances and sizes of what surrounds them. In this way, the brain receives information from the environment allowing it to know if it can go through certain places that we would never imagine.
Other curiosities about the skeleton of mice
Now that you know what the skeletal system of mice is like and the reason for its great flexibility, other facts about the bones of these small animals may also be of interest to you. Among them, we can highlight:
- A very strong bone system despite the elasticity they may present.
- Presence of five cranial crests that allow the union of the different bones.
- The tail is usually made up of approximately 20 vertebrae, which are called coccygeal vertebrae.
- Young female mice have ligaments that connect the pubic bones. After giving birth, these bones diverge.
- The thorax is quite narrow, which also allows it to enter small spaces, giving the skeleton great elasticity.
- The skeleton of all rodents (rats, hamsters, mice, etc.) are very similar to each other, giving them great agility these mammals when moving through different places.
In addition to these curiosities about mice, if you are interested in knowing how to drive away these small rodents, we encourage you to read How to drive away mice?
