METAPODIAL Meaning and
Definition
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Metapodial refers to the bone structure that is located between the main limb bone (the limb bone) and the digit bones (phalanges) in certain animals. This term is primarily used in the field of vertebrate anatomy, specifically in reference to the limbs of mammals.
In most vertebrates, including humans, the metapodial bones are found in the forearm or lower leg, connecting the larger limb bones (such as the radius and ulna in the forearm) to the smaller digit bones (such as the metacarpals in the hand or metatarsals in the foot). These bones are vital for supporting and providing stability to the limbs, allowing for effective locomotion and weight-bearing.
The metapodials vary in size and shape depending on the species. They generally consist of a long, slender shaft with distinct articulation surfaces at each end to connect with adjacent bones. The size, orientation, and number of metapodials may differ in different mammals or different limbs within a single organism.
Some notable examples of metapodials include the metacarpals in the hands of humans and primates, the metatarsals in the feet of humans and other terrestrial mammals, and the metapodials in the forelimbs and hind limbs of large mammals such as horses, cows, and elephants.
Overall, metapodials play a crucial role in the structure and function of the limbs in vertebrates, contributing to their ability to move, grasp, run, or perform various locomotor activities.
Common Misspellings for METAPODIAL
- netapodial
- ketapodial
- jetapodial
- mwtapodial
- mstapodial
- mdtapodial
- mrtapodial
- m4tapodial
- m3tapodial
- merapodial
- mefapodial
- megapodial
- meyapodial
- me6apodial
- me5apodial
- metzpodial
- metspodial
- metwpodial
- metqpodial
- metaoodial
Etymology of METAPODIAL
The word "metapodial" has its origins in ancient Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "meta", meaning "beyond" or "after", and "pous", meaning "foot". When combined, these two elements give us "metapous", which refers to "hindfoot" or "instep". In English, "metapodial" is used to describe the bones that connect the ankle (tarsus) to the toes and fingers (phalanges) in mammals.
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