A Review on the Hindlimb Bones in Animals and Birds
Bensia Debbarma
Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, Sanskaram College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kheri-Kulana Road Kheri, Taluka, Patauda, Haryana, 124108, India.
Jhuma Debbarma
Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Selesih PO, Aizawl, Mizoram: 796015, India
J. B. Rajesh *
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Selesih PO, Aizawl, Mizoram: 796015, India.
Jashima Debbarma
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Selesih PO, Aizawl, Mizoram: 796015, India.
Zosangpuii
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Selesih PO, Aizawl, Mizoram: 796015, India.
Karong David Kom
Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Selesih PO, Aizawl, Mizoram: 796015, India.
Lucy B Lalrinpuii
Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Sanskaram College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kheri-Kulana Road Kheri, Taluka, Patauda, Haryana, 124108, India.
Rosy Debbarma
Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Selesih PO, Aizawl, Mizoram: 796015, India.
Lalhmingmawii Sailo
Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Selesih PO, Aizawl, Mizoram: 796015, India.
Probina Daulagupu
Department of Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Selesih PO, Aizawl, Mizoram: 796015, India.
Tanmoy Sarma
Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Selesih PO, Aizawl, Mizoram: 796015, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The hindlimb bones play an important role in locomotion, body-weight support and maintenance of postural balance in animals and birds. This review summarises the gross anatomical, morphometric and functional characteristics of the hindlimb skeleton in wild animals, domestic species and avian species, based on the studies included in the manuscript. The hindlimb region comprises the os coxae, femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsal bones, metatarsals, phalanges and sesamoid bones. The reviewed studies indicate species-related variation in the morphology of the femur, tibia, patella, metatarsus and stifle joint among cattle, horses, camels, goats, sheep, dogs, deer, birds and other animals. Descriptions of the pelvic girdle, tarsal and metatarsal bones, femoral condyles, tibial extremities and stifle articulations show that hindlimb bones differ in shape, articular arrangement, fusion pattern and relative development across species. Morphometric observations also demonstrate variation in bone length, breadth, circumference, cortical thickness, condylar dimensions and articular surfaces according to species, sex and age, where these variables were examined. In avian species, the tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus show distinctive fusion patterns that differ from those of mammals. Together, these observations provide a comparative anatomical basis for understanding locomotor adaptations and structural diversity of the pelvic limb. The review may be useful for radiographic interpretation, orthopaedic evaluation, diagnosis and management of locomotor disorders, and comparative anatomical teaching. It also compiles available gross and morphometric information that may support future veterinary anatomical, clinical and comparative morphological investigations on hindlimb bones in animals and birds. The synthesis remains descriptive and reflects the scope and measurements reported by the cited studies, without introducing additional experimental observations.
Keywords: Hindlimb, pelvic limb, veterinary anatomy, comparative anatomy, morphometry, femur, tibia, patella, metatarsus, avian osteology