Carina

Carina (kərē`nə) [Lat.,=the keel], southern constellation, representing the keel of the ancient constellation Argo Navis, or Ship of the Argonauts. Carina contains Canopus, the second brightest star in the sky. It also contains the False Cross, a combination of four stars very similar to the Southern Cross (see Crux); however, the long axis of the False Cross does not point toward the south celestial pole. In 1843 a nova was observed in Carina. Carina reaches its highest point in the evening sky in March.

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carina [kə′rī·nə]

(biology)

A ridge or a keel-shaped anatomical structure.

(vertebrate zoology)

keel

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Carina [kə′rī·nə]

(astronomy)

A constellation, right ascension 9 hours, declination 60°S. Abbreviated Car. Also known as Keel.

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Carina 

(in birds, keel), a longitudinal process of the sternum that serves for attachment of the well-developed pectoral muscles in a number of vertebrates.

The presence of the carina is connected with the character of movement of the anterior extremities: a carina is present in some rooting animals (moles) and is especially well developed in flying animals (the extinct flying lizards, or pterosaurs; birds; bats). In birds, the degree of development and particular features of the shape of the keel are associated with the type of flight. Carinatae, which fly well (for example, hummingbirds and martlets), have an especially large keel. A keel is also present in birds that are incapable of flight but swim by means of their wings (for example, penguins). In flightless birds (ostriches, certain water rails, and parrots), the keel is absent or very poorly developed. In some swans and cranes the keel is hollow and encloses part of the convoluted trachea, which acts as a resonator.