Anatomical Features Related to the Locomotion of the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) Zeugopodium

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the bones and muscles of the Brown bear's (Ursus arctos) zeugopodium by macroscopic dissection and identification on 18 thoracic and pelvic limbs, from 5 male and 4 female bears. The features of the muscles and bony structures responsible for the rotation of the antebrachial bones and for the plantar flexion with the eversion of the autopodium in relation to the adaptive mechanisms of the limb to the environment of the Brown bear were investigated. The obtained results were analyzed and compared with the pentadactyl extremity of the dog, cat, rabbit, and human to highlight the specific adaptation of the limbs in the Brown bear. Understanding the locomotion of the limbs is important for veterinary neurology, orthopedics, and traumatology, where the specific adaptation ability should be considered for a better diagnosis and correct treatment.