THE CAT. 



[CHAP. iv. 



the distal row. It articulates slightly with the fourth, but mainly 

 with the fifth metatarsal. Its upper surface is narrow and convex. 

 Its palmar surface developes a small process which is called the 

 " palmar process." 



Fig. 59. BONES OF MEDIUS DIGIT. 



m. Magnum. 

 me. Metacarpal. 

 s. Sesamoid. 

 p l . Proximal phalanx. 

 jA Median phalanx. 

 j/ 3 . Distal phalanx. 

 . Its apex embraced by claw. 

 l>. Sheath of bone enclosing root of 

 externally. 



claw 



Fig. CO. VERTICAL SECTION THROUGH BONES 

 OF ARM, WRIST, POLLEX, AND INDEX, TO SHOW 

 EPIPHYSES. 



mie. The epiphysis of the metacarpal of the pollex 

 me. That of the index. 



p l e. That of proximal phalanx of pollex and index 

 p 2 e. That of second phalanx of index. 

 pe. That of pisiform. 

 eit. That of radius. 

 er. That of ulna. 

 I, II, II, IV, and V. The digits. 



7. The METACARPUS consists of four elongated, and one short, 

 matacarpal bones, each supporting a digit (toe) at its distal end. 



Each metacarpal has its proximal end, or base, specially moulded 

 so as to fit that part of the surface of the carpus which it adjoins. 

 The distal end of each is in the form of a rounded head. 



The metacarpals are curved so as to be slightly concave, from 

 above downwards, on their palmar aspect. The dorsal surface of 

 each is slightly more flattened than is the opposite side. 



The first metacarpal (that of the pollex) is less than half the 

 length of the shortest of the others, and differs from them by its 

 mode of ossification, its epiphysis being situate only at its proximal 



