Basrah Journal of Veterinary Research,Vol.15, No.3,2016
Proceeding of 5th International Scientific Conference,College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Basrah,Iraq
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ANATOMICAL STUDY OF BONE OF CAMEL FOOT
Sameer Ahmed Abid Al-Redah* , Amer M. Hussin**
* Department of Anatomy and Histology ,College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-
Qadisiyah, Al-Qadisiyah,Iraq
Department of Anatomy and Histology ,College of Veterinary Medicine, University of
Baghdad,Baghdad,Iraq
Key word: Camel, Bone, Foot, Anatomy
ABSTRACT
The intent of this study were to explain the gross anatomical study of the bones of the camel
feet (Forelimb and Hindlimb) from under the carpal and tarsal joints by using traditional techniques
for gross anatomical preparation of bones (using 6 pairs of forelimb and hindlimb). The camel is
characterized by two contrary adaptive factors, firstly, its camel leg must be long and skinny for
protective from hot desert environment, and secondly, the leg must be strong enough to a bear the
heavy weight of the camel body and to prevent sinking in the sands of the desert. The camel leg
have these two factors (elongation & slimness) and at the same time the strength stemming from of
several structural adaptations such as the abundance of fatty-elastic (digital cushions) inside the
foot, the length of the metacarpal and metatarsal and the horizontal positioning of phalanges. The
results showed that the large metacarpal and metatarsal bones are characterized by the fusion of 3rd
and 4th metacarpal and metatarsal bones on the entire length of the bone except at the distal end
which happens a divergence of bone from each other larger than the rest of the animals to distribute
the weight of the camel on a larger area, metatarsal bone resemble the metacarpal with the
exception of the metatarsal being smaller and has more cylindrical body, the bones of the phalanges
are longest when compared to other animals, the proximal phalanx of camel was characterized by
its elongation when compared with ruminants, the length of the middle phalanx reach to almost half
the length of the proximal phalanx while the distal phalanx was considered the smallest of the three
phalanges and has the wedge shape, the number of sesamoid bones in the camels were different
from other animals in the absence of the distal sesamoid bone in order to allow free movement of
the foot.
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INTRODUCTION
The camel is an even-toed ungulate within the genus Camelus, bearing distinctive fatty
deposits known as humps on its back. Camelids, in comparison to other domestic and farm animals,
were little scientifically studied. However, recently scientific working groups increasingly begun to
recognize and intensely be aware of the importance of this species. The camel is a very hard animal
and is well adapted anatomically and physiologically to harsh climatic desert conditions (1).
The family Camelidae is divided into two genera, the old world camels (genus Camelus)
and the new world camels (genus Lama) (2). Two domesticated species of old world camels exist,
the dromedary or one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius), known as Arabic camel, that has its
distribution in the hot deserts of Africa and Asia and the Bactrian or two-humped camel (Camelus
bactrianus) that can be found in the cold deserts and dry steppes of Asia (2 & 3).
The camel plays an important socio-economic role in the life of the pastoral people,
browse scanty vegetation and produce where other livestock species cannot survive. The camel has
been used for milk and meat production as well as for draught and riding purposes (4).
Recently, camel races and beauty shows the economic value of the dromedary camels
which are held regularly in the Gulf region where camels may be worth a fortune which is
especially the case for the winning camels. Lameness in racing camels is also considered to be a
major welfare and economic problem encountered by camel owners at the present time and
therefore imaging this regions can be a challenge. The camel has a different pattern of lameness as
compared to bovine and equines. This may be due to its peculiar anatomy, biomechanics,
geoclimatic adaptation and use (5, 6, 7 & 8), The aims of this study were to explain the gross
anatomical study of the normal bones of the forelimb and hindlimb of one-humped camel (below
the carpal and tarsal joints to the foot pad).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Collection of specimens : The present study was carried out on the metacarpus (Mc.), metatarsus
of both forelimb and hindlimb of symptomatically healthy camel (the age range from 3-7 years old)
from both sexes. The specimens were obtained from Al-Diwaniya slaughter house immediately
after slaughtering by disarticulating the carpometacarpal and tarsometatarsal joint. The specimens
were cooled (by using cool box with ice after the specimens covered by nylon bag) and transported
to the laboratory then dissected and imaged within 6-8 hours to minimize post-mortem changes.
The Anatomical Study Of The Bones (Metacarpus, Metatarsus and Digits) : The study of
camel digits (Mc., Mt. and digits) were done by taking six pairs (6 forelimbs and 6 hindlimb) and
Basrah Journal of Veterinary Research,Vol.15, No.3,2016
Proceeding of 5th International Scientific Conference,College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Basrah,Iraq
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preparing by ordinary way (boiling and bleaching). Firstly the skin, tendons, ligaments, the sole and
digital cushions were removed from the bones of foot then the bones were boiled in suitable pot and
cooked at a simmer for 2-3 hours to remove the residual tissue and afterwards these bony segment
were cleaned again under tap water using brusher and small scrapers then the bones put in bleaching
water solution (for 5-6 hour) to remove any remaining non-bone material and whiten. Then the
bones were allowed for complete sun drying for 7-10 hours (9 &10).
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
1-Metacarpal Bone (Mc.): The present study revealed that the metacarpus in camel
consisted of the fusion of the Mc. III & IV, the fusion extended along the Mc. bone except in the
distal end where they diverge to form separate articulation with digits (Fig. 1), this came in
agreement with (11) in that the Mc. bone in bovine consist of the large metacarpal bone (fusion of
Mc. III and IV) and lateral small metacarpal bone. In equine the only fully developed and carrying
the digit is the 3rd metacarpal bone and the other two are 2nd and 4th metacarpal bones which are
called small or splint metacarpal bones (12 & 13). This fusion in metacarpal bones form strong
bone that enough to resist the forces involved in standing and moving immediately after birth (14)
The proximal end has medio-palmar facet of the Mc. III is form articulation with the 2nd
carpal bone (distal row), the other two facets connected with 3rd carpal bone and the articular
surface of the Mc. IV its articulate with 4th carpal bone (Fig. 2). While in the horse the greater part
of the proximal extremity is supported to the 3rd carpal bone and other articulating surface adapted
to the other distal row carpal bones, in ruminant the proximal extremity appears slightly concave for
articulation with distal row of carpal bones (13 & 15)
The present study revealed that the Metacarpal tuberosity was present dorsally and
proximally on Mc. III and there is a small tuberosity distally along the same surface, while in
ruminant has on the medial aspect dorsal and palmar tuberosity, in equine on the medial side of
dorsal surface of the Mc. III there is metacarpal tuberosity in which the extensor carpi radialis is
inserted in it. (11, 12, 13 & 16)
The distal articular extremity of Mc. in camel a compared with ruminant was more
separated from the articular surface of Mc. III and IV and each articular surface prepared to
articulate with proximal phalanx (PI) and proximal sesamoid bone (Fig. 1). While equine was
different from camel and ruminant in that the distal extremity is composed of two condyles
separated by a sagittal ridge to articular with one digit and proximal sesamoid bones. Also our result
revealed that the two thirds of palmar surface of the Mc. bone was a concave in shape This result
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Proceeding of 5th International Scientific Conference,College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Basrah,Iraq
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corresponds with the (6) and there is also a rough surface in this area for the attachment of
ligaments and this differs from in bovine in which the palmar surface is flat and has a fainter groove
(palmar longitudinal sulcus) not found in camel while in equine the palmar surface is convex from
side to side. (11, 13, 15 & 16).
The present study showed that the dorsal surface showed a faint line or a shallow groove
which indicates the fusion line between Mc. III and IV., this differ in equine which represented by
smooth and convex from side to side and nearly straight in its length (17), while in bovine the
dorsal surface was recognize by a vertical groove (dorsal longitudinal sulcus). (12).
2-Metatarsal Bone: The present study revealed that the metatarsus in camel consisted of
the fusion of Mt. III and IV as in Mc (Fig. 3) are fused except distally to form the articulation
surface for digits III and IV. Approximately its length was equivalent to Mc. bone but different
from it in that the shaft was more slender and the distal extremity and its articular surface were
smaller and the lateral border of shaft was slightly concave on the proximal half, the plantar border
was convex and rough, the plantar surface was concave and flanked on each side by a rough border.
The tuberosity of the dorsal aspect of Mt. bone was raised and elongated and at the same level on
the lateral aspect of Mt. 4th there was oval and rough area. The proximal articular surface was
recognized plantarly by a pointed process (Fig. 4), it articulate with 4th tarsal bone and the dorsal
longitudinal sulcus is faintly appearance.
3-Digital Bones: The present study showed that there were two digits present in camel each
of them consisted of three phalanges (proximal, middle and distal) and two proximal sesamoid
bones, there were no distal sesamoid bones in camel, the phalanges and sesamoid bones of the
forelimb were similar to that in the hindlimb but slightly smaller so the anatomical description to be
limited on the forelimb.
3-1-Proximal Phalanx (PI): The current study declared that the camel has a relatively long
PI (Fig. 5), with a length of about five times that of the diameter and this differs from the ruminant
that the relative length is shorter, with a length around four times that of the diameter (18). The
proximal end (the base) was slightly convex dorsally and flattened palmarly. The fovea articularis
on the base of the PI is roughly circular in outline and slightly concave along a transverse axis and
dorso-palmarly in their direction. The articular surface of the base increase in height palmarly and
ends by two facets separated by an intermediated sagittal notch. These facets articulate with
sesamoid bones. On axial aspect of the base there is a transverse ridge for ligamentous attachment.
The present study showed that the distal articular surface was a saddle in shape and
strongly convex and extended up onto the dorsal surface (Fig. 5), this extension not found in
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Proceeding of 5th International Scientific Conference,College of Veterinary Medicine
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ruminant, so this extension in distal articular surface consider a modification for allowing greater
degree of extension of the PII on the PI in association with a digitigrades foot posture. In contrast
the restriction of the articular surface in ruminant would serve to limit mobility between the PI and
PII may be in association with a more derived unguligrade foot posture. (19).
There was on the tip of the proximal articulation of the PI and on the palmar facet a groove
which relatively wider, shallower and smoother than in ruminant (19) while in ruminant this groove
and the articular surface is longer antero- posteriorly presumably in association with the complete
metapodial keels this differs from camel for allowing more interlocking the joint (20).
3-2-Middle Phalanx (PII): The present study showed that the PII was nearly half as long as
the PI (Fig. 5). The base (proximal end) is more or less oval (nearly circular in outline) in diameter
and the articular surface of it was slightly concave and is longer in the medio-lateral direction than
in the antero-posterior direction with little surface grooving this result corresponding with (3) and
due to this articulation the surface shape in the camel probably represent greater mobility between
PI and PII. While in ruminant the articular surface of proximal end of PII is more square in shape
and deeper (21). Also on this surface dorsally and abaxialy there was a transverse ridge (extensor
process). The body of PII is convex dorsally and flattened palmarly.
The distal end of PII has a depression for ligaments on each side (axialy and abaxialy), the
articular surface is convex and slightly extension on the anterior (dorsal) surface and differ than in
ruminant (20) which the greater extension of the PII on the PIII with an unguligrade foot posture
that is more stable (Fig. 5).
3-3-Distal Phalanx (PIII): The present study showed that the PIII was very small in
comparison with other phalanges, its wedge-shape (Fig. 5) with a very shallow relatively flat
articular surface. The parietal (dorsal) surface is rough and raised proximally and slightly convex
area, distally to it there was a transverse ridge unguicular crest, the axial foramen is found behind
the crest. The margo dorsalis divides the dorsal surface into a axial and abaxial and the last larger
than the axial, while the solar (palmar or plantar) surface is smooth and represented by facies
flexoria (Fig. 6). This result corresponds with (5 & 13).
The differences between camel and ruminant which also reflect the foot posture in that the
ruminant has long and deep PIII which encased within a hoof and the deep relief on the articular
surface reflects greater restriction of interphalangeal mobility with an unguligrade foot posture (5
& 13).
4-Sesamoid Bones : There is no distal sesamoid bones in camel.
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4-1-Proximal Sesamoid Bone: The present study showed that both of the proximal
sesamoid (Fig. 5) bone had an elongated articular surface on its anterior aspect which articulate with
palmar and plantar facet of the trochlea of the distal end of the metacarpal and metatarsal, on the
axial surface there was also articular surface which articulate with intermediate ridge of the trochlea
of the metacarpal this articulation is continued with the dorsal aspect of sesamoid bone. Distally has
small a proximally flattened surface on the dorsal part for articulation with the base of PI. While in
horses the proximal sesamoid bone has three sided pyramids, dorsally articulate with distal end of
metacarpal and the flexor tendons ride over it. Palmarly also with a branch of interosseous muscle,
the equine differs from camel in which the proximal sesamoid bone doesn’t articulate with PI (11).
The current study revealed many anatomical structural peculiarities in camel feet, revealed
that the PII and PIII was located entirely in the foot in horizontal position. This result was in
agreement with (5, 18 & 22). Also the distal part of the PI lies in the camel foot in an obliquely and
cranioventrally position.
The camel walks only on the pads of the two last phalanges instead of on the sole of the
foot and is therefore regarded as hoof less digitigrades. The digital bones of the dromedary camel
are particularly important component of its locomotor anatomy because they dual functions,
including shock absorption and bear the weight of the body mass (23).
The phalanges of the camel are longer than those of other artiodactyls species. This interspecies
anatomical variation in the length of phalangeal bones were thought to be one of the
adaptive features to be related to the capacity for shock absorption during locomotion, longer and
larger bones have a greater capacity than shorter and slender bones to absorb shock (impact
energy). The ability to absorb mechanical shock seems to help the camel to adapt to arid desert
environment by reducing the energy expenditure (mechanical requirements) of its locomotor mode
(19, 23, 24, 25, & 26).
Consequently and due to the burden of an increasing body size and the effect of gravity the
camel had evolved other locomotor adaptations such as limb elongation and joint posture to
increase its weight-bearing ability and to increase walking ability for a long period of time and
distance in response to the above factors. (23, 24 & 27).
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دراسة تشریحیة لعظام فی قدم الجمال
سمیر احمد عبد الرضا* ، عامر متعب حسین**
*کلیة الطب البیطری ، جامعة القادسیة ،القادسیھ، العراق
**کلیة الطب البیطری ، جامعة بغداد ،بغداد ،العراق
الخلاصة
أجریت ھذه الدراسة على الجمال وحیدة السنام لدراسة التشریح العیانی لعظام الأطراف الأمامیة و الخلفیة للمنطقة من
تحت مفصل الرسغ إلى الخف و بواقع ستة أزوج من الأقدام الأمامیة و الخلفیة. یقع الجمل تحت تأثیر عاملین تکیفین متعاکسین
أولھما أن ساق الجمل یجب أن تکون طویلة و نحیفة لتبعد الجمل عن حر البیئة الصحراویة و ثانیھما أن ساق الجمل یجب ان تکون
قویة بما فیھا الکفایة لتحمل جسم الجمل الثقیل و لتمنع انغرازه فی رمال الصحراء ، لھذین العاملین فأن ساق الجمل جمعت ھاتین
الصفتین الطول و النحافة و بنفس الوقت القوة من خلال أظھار عدة تکیفات ترکیبیة مثل غزارة الشحوم داخل الخف و التجھیز
الدموی العالی من خلال وجود تفرعات شریانیة عدیدة، طول عظام المشط و الموضع الأفقی لعظام السلامیات.
أظھرت نتائج تشریح العظام بأن العظم المشطی الکبیر یتمیز باندماج العظمیین المشطین الثالث و الرابع على طول العظم
ما عدا الجھة القاصیة التی یحدث بھا انفراج العظمیین عن بعضھما بشکل اکبر مقارنة بباقی الحیوانات لغرض توزیع وزن الجمل
على مساحة اکبر و یتشابھ عظم مشط القائمة الخلفیة مع الأمامیة باستثناء کونھ اصغر حجما و یکون جسمھ أکثر اسطوانی اً، تکون
عظام السلامیات فی الجمل أطول مقارنة بباقی الحیوانات، تتمیز عظام السلامیات بکون أن السلامیة الدانیة فی الجمل أطول
مقارنةً بالمجترات و یصل طول السلامیة الوسطى تقریباً إلى نصف طول السلامیة الدانیة أما السلامیة القاصیة فتکون اصغر
السلامیات الثلاث و یکون شکلھا وتدی، یختلف عدد العظام السمسمانیة فی الجمال عن الحیوانات الاخرى وذلک لعدم وجود العظام
السمسمانیة القاصیة کی تتیح حریة أکثر لحرکة القدم.
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