302 SKELETON OF THE RABBIT 



a. The proximal row of tarsals consists of two bones, 

 i. The astragalus, which probably corresponds to 



the tibials and intermedium of the typical 

 tarsus fused together, is placed on the inner 

 or preaxial side of the tarsus : it articulates by 

 a prominent pulley -like surface with the distal 

 end of the tibia, 

 ii. The calcaneum, or fibulare, is the largest bone 

 of the tarsus : it lies along the outer side of 

 the astragalus, articulating with the fibula, 

 and is produced backwards into the large 

 calcaneal process or heel. 



b. The central bone. 



i. The navicular, or centrale, is placed immedi- 

 ately in front of the astragalus. It sends 

 forwards a large process along the ventral 

 surface of the foot. 



c. The distal row of tarsals consists of three bones, the 



innermost or preaxial bone of the typical tarsus 

 being absent, together with the digit which it 

 supports, though probably represented by the 

 process at the proximal end of the second meta- 

 tarsal; while the two outer tarsalia, like the 

 corresponding carpalia, fuse together. 



i. The meso-cuneiform, or second tarsals, is very 

 small : it articulates with the navicular, and 

 supports the second metatarsal. 



ii. The scto-cunsiform, or third tarsals, lies to the 

 outer side of the meso-cuneiform. It arti- 

 culates with the navicular, and supports the 

 third metatarsal. 



iii. The cuboid, formed by the fusion of the fourth 

 and fifth tarsalia, is a much larger bone, on 

 the outer side of the foot : it articulates with 

 the calcaneum and navicular, and supports 

 the fourth and fifth metatarsals. 



