Britannica AI Icon

wishbone

anatomy
Also known as: furcula

Quick Summary

The wishbone, also known as the furcula, is a forked bone found in birds, formed by the fusion of two clavicles (collarbones) at their median end, located in front of the breastbone. This structure is part of the pectoral girdle, which also includes the coracoids and scapulae, and plays a role in flight by providing attachment points for flight muscles. The wishbone is known for a superstition where two people pull it apart, and the one who gets the longer fragment is believed to have their wish granted.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. wishbone
  2. bird - Skeleton

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.