Distinguishing Characteristics on Ossa Sesamoidea Phalangis Distalis in Cattle (Bos primigenius f. taurus Linné 1758)

Abstract

Cerveny C.: Distinguishing Characteristics on Ossa Sesamoidea Phalangis Distalis in Cattle (Bos primigenius f. taurus Linne 1758). Acta vet. Brno, 59, 1990: 101-110. We studied and measured the ossa sesamoidea phalangis distalis on all digits in fourteen female adult individuals of the Bohemian Pied breed. The animals were 3 to 12 years of age. Adspection of external anatomical characteristics does not allow safe determi­ nation of the appurtenance of sesamoid bones of distal phalanges either to respective digits of limbs or to limbs unless we know at least one of the following attributes. If we know the appurtenance of the sesamoid bone to the digit, we can decide from the position and location of anatomical formations its appurtenance either to the right or the left limb, and vice versa. The appurtenance of the sesamoid bone of the distal phalanx of the digit to thoracic or pelvic limbs can be assessed by adspection of the shape and size of the facies flexoria and later confirmed osteometrically. On the basis of our osteometric observations, the appurtenance of sesamoid bones of distal phalanges to digits and thoracic and pelvic limbs on the basis of mutual com­ parisons of ascertained values for the height, width and length of bones. The appurtenance of the sesamoid bone of the dista phalanx to the thoracic or pelvic limbs can best be determined on the basis of their height (sesamoid bones of distal phalanges belonging to the thoracic limb are longer). Sesamoid bones of the distal phalanx of the third and fourth digit of the thoracic limb is primarily distinguishable for its width and height (the sesamoid bone of the distal phalanx of the fourth digit is narrower and lower). To distinguish between the same bones of the pelvic limb, their length and width can be used (the sesamoid bone of the fourth digit is narrower and lower). For an accurate identification of individual sesamoid bones of distal phalanges of cattle digits we must turn to osteometry and fully use the anatomical characte­ ristics described to achieve a conclusive detailed identification of bones. The dis­ tinguishing characteristics on ossa sesamoidea pahalngis distalis in cattle discussed here have supplemented the data of comparative and veterinary anatomy and re­ present an important tool of archaeological osteozoology. Cattle, digits, ossa sesamoidea phalangis distalis, anatomical characteristics, osteo­ metry