6 GUIDES FOR VERTEBRATE DISSECTION 



The carpus, or wrist, contains six bones arranged in two 

 rows, with the sixth element, the centrale, between them. The 

 proximal row consists of a radiale and an ulnare, the distal of three 

 carpales. 



The digits or fingers consist of a basal row of metacarpal 

 bones, corresponding to the palm, and succeeded by several 

 phalanges (finger bones). The digits are numbered beginning on 

 the radial side. Do you find any trace of a first digit (pollex)? 



The Pelvic Girdle is articulated with the axial skeleton by 

 means of the diapophyses of the sacral vertebra. It is V-shaped 

 and consists of paired bones meeting hi the midventral line. 

 On the outer side of the posterior or ventral end is a hemispherical 

 cup, the acetabulum, for the articulation of the hind limb. Study 

 the pelvis from the side. Three bones will be seen to meet in 

 the acetabulum ; in front a long ilium which also articulates with 

 the sacrum; behind a small ischium, and below a much smaller 

 pubis. 



Draw the pelvis from the side, showing these points as well 

 as the strong process, the crista ilii, on the dorsal surface of the 

 ilium, and the place where the ilium articulates with the sacrum. 



The Hind Limb corresponds closely to the fore limb in its 

 structure. In the thigh and articulating with the acetabulum 

 is the femur, which is expanded distally to articulate with the 

 united tibia and fibula (os cruris), the bone of the shank. Notice 

 the grooves indicating the compound nature of the bone. The 

 inner or anterior element is the tibia. 



The ankle or tarsus is composed of two rows of bones, the two 

 of the proximal row being greatly elongate and united at either 

 end. These bones are the tibiale or astragalus, the fibulare or cal- 

 caneum. The bones of the distal row are not readily made 

 .out in the prepared skeleton. 



The tarsal bones are succeeded by the elongate metatarsals 

 and those in turn by the phalanges, composing the digits. The 

 first digit is on the tibial side. 



Draw the skeleton of the hind limb. 



