ABSTRACT
In the sprawling gait of Varanus exanthematicus, the bicondylar distal humerus requires both the radius and ulna to rotate in the same direction. The joints between the radius and radiale and between the ulna and ulnare and pisiform accomodate these specific rotations. A ligament system between radius, ulna, radiale, and ulnare causes the radius and ulna to approximate one another during external rotation of the forearm. This approximation is conveyed distally resulting in a narrowing of the hand during external rotation of radius and ulna or during pronation of the free hand. The significance of these and related linkages is discussed.
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°.
