Rotational movements in the foot of Galago senegalensis

Abstract

AbstractThe wide range of rotational movement found in the elongated foot of Galago senegalensis cannot be accounted for by movement at the subtalar joint. A gross and microscopic study of the intertarsal joints of this animal have revealed a discrete calcaneonavicular articulation between the shafts of these bones together with a pivot joint at the calcaneocuboid articulation. It is suggested that little movement occurs at the subtalar joint and that most of the rotation found is produced by a movement of the navicular and distal tarsal bones about an axis which passes through the attachment of the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament to the calcaneus, the calcaneal portion of the calcaneonavicular joint and the pivot of the calcaneocuboid joint. A comparison is made with the foot of Tarsius and with the rotational movements of the forearm.