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Canine Phalanges - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 13:30, 19 August 2008
, 13:30, 19 August 2008→'''Bones'''
=='''Bones'''==
=='''Bones'''==
===='''Metacarpals and Metatarsals'''====
* The arrangement of the metatarsals are similar to those of the metacarpals.
* They are rod shaped bones, numbered from I to V. The 1st is the most medial and is very small, the 3rd and 4th are the longest.
* The proximal base articulates with it's corresponding carpal bone and the adjacent metacarpal.
* The distal end is it's head, which is transversely cylindrical and articulates with the proximal phalanx.
* Metacarpals II - V possess a sagittal ridge on their palmar aspects.
===='''Phalanges'''====
* Proximal phalanx - of the main digits (II - V) they have a concave articular surface proximally. The palmar border has a groove to accomodate the articular surface of the metacarpus when the joint is fixed. The distal head has two convex areas seperated by a groove.
* Middle phalanx - roughly two-thirds the length of the proximal, its base has a sagittal ridge on the articular surface, which articulates with the groove of the proximal phalanx. The head resembles that of the proximal.
* Distal phalanx - made up of a cone-shaped ungual process with a distinct collar, '''ungual crest'''. The deep ungual groove distal to the crest provides attachment for the proximal border of the claw. It articulates with the middle phalanx via a small sagittal crest.
* A bony sesamoid bone is found on the dorsal aspect of the metacarpophalangeal joint.
* The 'dew claw', metacarpal I, is normally present in the forelimb but often not in the hindlimb. It normally only consists two phalanges that resemble the proximal and distal ones.
=='''Joints'''==
=='''Joints'''==