ABSTRACT
BOVID AND CERVID METAPODIALS (FIGS. 51-53) In these families, the metacarpals and meta tarsals are reduced to two in each limb, the third and fourth, and these are fused together into one structure from an early stage of development. The double origin of these composite third/fourth metapodials is, however, clear because a line is preserved down the length of the shaft near their point of fusion (particularly on the dorsal surface) and both distal and proximal joints are double in form. The general organisation of these metapodials is shown in Fig. 51, using cattle as an example. These bones distinguish themselves by their stout, composite shaft, double pulley-like distal articulation and almost flat proximal articulation. In young individuals whose distal epiphyses have not fused, the two elements of the distal articula tion may be found in isolation, either sepa rated or joined together.
