What are the bones of a dog's forearm called? - briefly
The bones of a dog's forearm are primarily known as the radius and ulna. These two bones work together to support movement and provide stability in the dog's limb.
What are the bones of a dog's forearm called? - in detail
The forelimbs of dogs, which are often referred to as the forearms in humans, consist of several distinct bones that work together to facilitate movement and support the body weight. These bones can be categorized into two primary segments: the humerus and the radius-ulna complex.
The humerus is the long bone located at the proximal end of the forelimb. It extends from the shoulder joint down to where it articulates with the radius and ulna. The humerus provides the primary support for the forelimb, much like the femur in the hind limbs.
The radius and ulna are located distally to the humerus and form the lower part of the dog's forearm. These two bones run parallel to each other and are connected by an interosseous membrane, which helps in distributing the stress evenly between them. The radius is positioned on the lateral (thumb) side of the limb, while the ulna is located medially (pinky finger side).
The distal ends of both the radius and ulna form part of the wrist joint, known as the carpus in dogs. Here, they articulate with several small carpal bones that enable the complex movements required for walking, running, and other activities. The radius and ulna play crucial roles in supporting the weight of the dog and facilitating a wide range of motion at the elbow and wrist.
In summary, the primary bones of a dog's forearm are the humerus, radius, and ulna. These bones work together to provide structural support and enable the diverse movements that dogs are known for.