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Which of the following is NOT a type of posture in animals?

  1. Decerebrate Rigidity

  2. Decerebellate Rigidity

  3. Stuporous Posture

  4. Opisthotonus

The correct answer is: Stuporous Posture

Stuporous posture is not officially recognized as a specific type of animal posture in the context of neurology and animal behavior. Instead, it generally refers to a state of diminished responsiveness or altered consciousness, typically associated with a medical condition rather than a distinct posture. Decerebrate rigidity, decerebellate rigidity, and opisthotonus are all well-defined postural responses related to specific neurological conditions. Decerebrate rigidity occurs due to lesions in the brainstem, resulting in an extended posture with stiff legs and limbs. Decerebellate rigidity is associated with damage to the cerebellum, leading to an abnormal posture characterized by extension of the forelimbs and flexion of the hindlimbs. Opisthotonus is a spasm of the back muscles that causes the body to arch backward, often seen in cases of severe neurological disturbance. The correct identification of posture types helps in understanding the underlying neurological function and dysfunction in animals, providing essential information for diagnostics and treatment in veterinary practice.