Digital morphology in Varanus and Iguana.

Abstract

Marked tendinous bands lie along the lateral sides of the fingers in Varanus and Iguana and have asymmetrical roots in the metacarpal region. The radial band of each finger represents the distal extension of an oblique band arising at an ulno-dorsally located line in the proximal part of the metacarpal, whereas the ulnar bands each form a tendinous extension of an interosseus muscle bundle. The function of this metacarpo-digital system must be seen in relation to the deformations of the hand, imposed during locomotion by longitudinal rotation of the forearm. The latter motion results from the foreward and backward sway of the humerus with the elbow bent at 90°.