298 OSTEOLOGY. 



become much reduced in size or suppressed (coracoid, precoracoid, see ante). The dorsal part 

 of the girdle (scapula) is not directly united with the axial skeleton as is the ilium, but is only 

 indirectly joined to it through the medium of the clavicle, which is linked in front with the 

 presternum. The same underlying principles determine the differences in mobility and strength 

 between the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, and the hip, knee, and ankle joints of the fore and hind 

 limbs respectively, whilst the utility of the hand is further enhanced by the movements of 

 pronation and supination which occur between the bones of the forearm. In the leg such 

 movements are absent, as they would interfere with the stability of the limb. 



