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The osteology and musculature of the pectoral limb of small captorhinids
Author(s) -
Holmes Robert
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.1051520107
Subject(s) - manus , anatomy , forelimb , sesamoid bone , osteology , biology , elbow , pectoral girdle , upper limb , humerus , medicine , radiography , surgery
The osteology of the pectoral limb of small captorhinids is described and figured in detail. A cartilaginous sternum was present. The glenoid was not a simple sliding or rocking joint, as was previously supposed, but considerable rotation was also an integral part of the humeral movement. The structure of the elbow joint is such that when the lower arm was extended, its distal end swung forward and extended the anterior reach of the hand. When the lower arm was flexed, the posterior reach of the hand was extended. Articulated specimens allow a recontruction of the manus. There was no well developed wrist joint, but rather the manus, as a whole, was a flexible structure. A pisiform was present. Sesamoid bones were developed in the tendons of the palmaris communis profundus muscle. Study of forelimb musculature of living reptiles based on dissections and the literature indicates that its evolution has been very conservative. The forelimb musculature of small captorhinids probably was very similar to that of all living reptiles except turtles.