Morphological studies of the appendicular skeleton of the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus) Part (i) pectoral limb

Abstract

The pelvic limb of the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomysgambianus) was studied using 12 adult rats of both sexes. Characteristics of the bones were studied by gross observation after preparation. Measurement of different segments of the Pelvic limb (articulated) was also taken. The bones of the pelvic limb were found to be generally similar in both structure and number to other rodent species that has been studied. Variation came only in the size of the bones and in the number of coccygeal bones. The ossa coxarum came (check) together through the pubic symphysis. The pelvis also presented a relatively wide obturator foramen. The femur presented three trochanters (major, minor and tertious) and fabellae on the medial and lateral condyles. The fibula runs down the length of the tibia, with an attachment proximally and fusion at the distal third thereby presenting an extensive interosseous space. The pespresented 8 tarsal and 5 metatarsal bones. Each of the metatarsal presented 3 phalanges except the first metatarsal which presented 2 phalanges. The number of bones on each pelvic limb was found to be 34 plus 19 sessamoid bones making a total number of 106 bones in the two hind limbs of this rat. Key words: African giant rat, pelvic limb, pes.