Lecture Notes: Anatomy of the Hind Limbs

Overview of the Hind Limb (Leg)

• The hind limbs, also known as the legs, consist of various bones.
• There are four to five types of bones in the hind limbs.

Key Bones of the Hind Limb

1. Femur (Thigh Bone):

   • Articulates with the pelvic girdle (acetabulum) to form a ball and socket joint.
   • Resembles the humerus in the forelimb.
   • Features include a head, a shaft, and a distal end with condyles, similar to the humerus.

2. Patella (Kneecap):

   • A small bone located between the femur and the tibia/fibula.
   • Articulates with the femur at the upper side and the tibia and fibula at the lower side.

3. Tibia and Fibula (Lower Leg Bones):

   • Located below the patella and femur.
   • The distal end articulates with the tarsals.

4. Tarsals:

   • A group of bones connected to the foot, located at the distal end of the tibia and fibula.

5. Metatarsals:

   • Long bones located next to the tarsals.

6. Phalanges (Toes):

   • The bones that form the toes.
   • In humans, there are 14 phalanges.

Detailed Description of Bones

Femur

• The longest bone in the body, located between the hip and knee.
• Key features:
  • Head: Fits into the acetabulum of the pelvic girdle.
  • Shaft: Long central part of the bone.
  • Distal End: Contains condyles that articulate with the tibia and fibula.

Patella

• Functions as a protective bone and aids in the movement of the knee joint.

Tibia and Fibula

• Support the structure of the lower leg and provide articulation points for the tarsals.

Joint and Movement

• The femur forms a ball and socket joint with the pelvic girdle, allowing for a range of motion.

Summary

• The hind limb is composed of several critical bones that work together to facilitate movement and support the body. Understanding the anatomy and articulation points of these bones is essential for comprehending the function of the leg in locomotion.