Comparative limb myology of two opossums, Didelphis and Chironectes

A comparative study of limb morphology indicates that the osteological and myological differences between Didelphis virginiana , the Virginia opossum, and Chironectes minimus , the water opossum, may be associated in Chironectes with decreased resistance to water and increased mechanical advantage of its muscles for increased force. Limb myology is described and a synonymy of terms is applied to the musculature of these two opossums.