Changes

The possible movements in the corresponding joints between the forelimb and hindlimb have some similarities between the different limb segments:  

The possible movements in the corresponding joints between the forelimb and hindlimb have some similarities between the different limb segments:  

:::::'''Forelimb'''       '''Hindlimb'''               '''Axes of movement'''

:::::Shoulder           Hip                             Flexion-extension;  Adduction-abduction;  Rotation

|'''Forelimb'''

:::::Elbow                 Stifle                         Flexion-extension;  Rotation

! '''Hindlimb'''

:::::Carpus               Tarsus                       Flexion-extension

! '''Axes of movement'''

:::::Metacarpo- & metatarsophalangeal      Flexion-extension

:::::Interphalangeal                                   Flexion-extension

| Shoulder

| Hip

|  Flexion-extension;  Adduction-abduction;  Rotation

| Elbow

| Stifle

|  Flexion-extension;   Rotation

  |-

| Carpus

| Tarsus

|  Flexion-extension

|-

|  Flexion-extension

| Interphalangeal

|  Flexion-extension

The axes of movement thus become more restricted distally.  A limb can be regarded as an extensible rod, rather freely moveable about the shoulder and hip joints, and extensible because flexion and extension are possible in all joints, in an alternating pattern distally as far as the metacarpophalangeal joints (Fig. 8.1).  Proximally, the more complex movements are matched by the complexity of the muscles surrounding these joints.   

The axes of movement thus become more restricted distally.  A limb can be regarded as an extensible rod, rather freely moveable about the shoulder and hip joints, and extensible because flexion and extension are possible in all joints, in an alternating pattern distally as far as the metacarpophalangeal joints (Fig. 8.1).  Proximally, the more complex movements are matched by the complexity of the muscles surrounding these joints.