Numeric and Morphological Studies of the African Lion (Panthera leo) Pectoral limb

Abstract

Background: The Importance of the appendicular skeleton in the conformation, shape and physiology of wild animals especially carnivores for adaptation and survival cannot be overemphasized as limited and obsolete information on the bones of the forelimb necessitated this study. Matured adult African lions (Male and female) that weighed 173kg and 112kg were obtained at different times after post mortem examinations of their carcasses. Bone preparation was achieved via cold water maceration after proper skin and muscle removal to a barest minimum.Results: The acromion process of the scapula consisted of a ventral hamate and caudal suprahamatus processes. The musculospiral groove of the humerus was more or less absent while its supracondyloid foramen and crest were positioned above the medial condyle and lateral condyle respectively. The radioulna presented a twisted appearance with the radius slightly curved thereby creating an extensive interosseous space that spanned its entire length. The seven (7) carpal bones were uniquely arranged in two rows while the 5 metacarpals anchored 5 digits with 3 phalanges except the rst with 2 phalanges each. The 3rd phalanx had a unique appearance with a crescent plate projecting from the ventral cavity.The average total number of bones constituting the pectoral limb was 75. Conclusion: Numerical information and detailed anatomical features of the pectoral limb bones of theAfrican lion (Panthera leo) have added some valuable literature to science. This further serves as a baseline data for future scienti c exposition on this species.

Numeric and morphological studies of the African lion (Panthera leo leo) pectoral limb

“…Being therefore one of the largest carnivore and best studied mammalian species in Africa [6], anatomical and morphological investigations have been conducted on the heart [7], reproductive organs [8], hyoid apparatus and pharynx [9], axial and hindlimb skeleton [10,11] with the aim of proper documentation for knowledge acquisition and reference. Also, the African Lion's characteristics, significance and behaviour further increases its interests in scientific investigations.…”