Where it is
From the carpus downward: the metacarpus, the toes and the pads.
- Layer
- Exterior and regions
- System
- Body regions
- Region
- Forelimb
What it is and what it does
The forepaw comprises the metacarpus, the toes and the pads. The dog is digitigrade: it walks on its toes, with the metacarpus raised off the ground. Four toes bear the weight, each with a pad and a claw; the fifth, the dewclaw (digit I, on the inner side), is slender and takes no part in support.
The pads are made of connective and fatty tissue, which cushions, and of a thick, horny epidermis. On the forepaw a dog has one pad on each of digits II-V, a common metacarpal pad and the carpal pad.
Worth remembering
Four toes bear the weight; the fifth, the dewclaw on the inner side, is slender and does not touch the ground.
Names
- Also called: hand (manus), metacarpal region and digits.
- Latin term: manus.
- In Romanian: Laba anterioară (Romanian page).
In the atlas lessons
Walk, trot, pace, gallop (4 min):
The trot: two beats, the diagonal pairs (right fore + left hind, then the reverse) move together, with brief moments when no limb touches the ground.
The dog's paw, from below (3 min):
The dog is digitigrade: it walks on digits II-V, with the metacarpus raised. The digital pads sit under the last joints of the toes, the metacarpal pad under the metacarpophalangeal joints.
Questions from the atlas
"Find it on the drawing" questions whose answer is this structure; in the atlas you will find them in the question bank and in the lessons.
- Show the front paw on the drawing. (level 1)