What is "metapodial"

Metapodial \Met`a*po"di*al\, a. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the metapodialia, or to the parts of the limbs to which they belong.

a. (context anatomy zoology English) Of or pertaining to the human metacarpal bones (between the wrist and fingers) or the metatarsal bones (between the ankle and toes); of or pertaining to the equivalent bones in animals. n. A metapodial bone.

Metapodials are long bones of the hand ( metacarpals) and feet ( metatarsals) which connect the digits to the centers. In humans, five are present in each hand and foot. In quadrupeds, these form the lower limb, rather than being part of the extremity, thus what looks to be the elbow of a sheep is actually the wrist.

Category:Bones of the upper limb Category:Bones of the lower limb Category:Bones of the hand