DOCSLIB.ORG

OSSIFICATION of the THIRD TROCHANTER in MAN. Trinity College, Dublin

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
OSSIFICATION of the THIRD TROCHANTER in MAN. Trinity College, Dublin OSSIFICATION OF THE THIRD TROCHANTER IN MAN. By A. FRANCIS DiXoN, M.B., Chief Demonstrator ofAnatomy, Trinity College, Dublin. SOME time ago I noticed that the femur of a young subject dissected in the School of Anatomy, Trinity College, Dublin, possessed, in addition to the usually described epiphyses, a small epiphysis for the gluteal ridge or third trochanter. The subject was a male of about seventeen years of age, and unfortunately the left femur only was preserved. The epiphysis for the third trochanter is a flat narrow scale of bone placed with its long axis corresponding with that of the shaft of the femur. Its upper end corresponds to the level of the lowest part of the small trochanter, while its lower end lies just above the groove so often present in the region of insertion of the gluteus maximus muscle (see 2 of figure). The epiphysis measures 25 mm. in length, and is 12 mm. across in its widest part. I have made an examination of a large number of femora in the Anatomical Department of Trinity College, and also of a number of young and adult bones kindly lent for the purpose by Prof. Cunningham from his private collection, and have found similar epiphyses in two other young bones. One of these (3 of figure) is the left femur of a boy of fifteen years; the other (1 of figure) is the right femur of an older individual, but the sex is not noted. In neither of these latter specimens is the epiphysis of the third trochanter as extensive as in the femur first described. In one, indeed, it is not more than 5 mm. in its longest diameter, while in the other it measures about 10 mm. In both cases its position corresponds with that described in the first case, its upper end being placed on a level with the lower part of the small trochanter. Although I have only been able to prove the presence of this epiphysis in the three femora figured, yet the appearance of the upper part of the gluteal ridge in a number of other bones leads me to believe that, in many cases at all events, this part of the bone is added to the femur as a special epiphysis. OSSIFICATION OF THE THIRD TROCHANTER IN MAN. 503 With regard to the ossification of the third trochanter in those lower animals which possess one, I have been unable in the literature at my disposal to find definite information. An examination of a number of skeletons, however, shows that a special centre may be present for it. This is easily demon- strated in the rabbit, and another rodent.-Cmalogenys paca- preserved in the Natural History Museum, Trinity College, affords a beautiful example of the same fact. In the rabbit, the special centre simply forms a thin scale over the strongly marked third trochanter, while in Caslogenys it appears to form the whole third trochanter, which is here not so strongly (1) (2) (3) The upper parts of three young femora, to show the epiphysis for the 3rd trochanter (3rd T.). developed. Among Perissodactyla, the tapir possesses such a centre,l and in the horse, although the usual descriptions do not take note of it, still Franck, in his Anatomie der Havumes ethiere, describes a centre for the third trochanter of the horse. It is, 1 Specimens showing this are preserved in the Natural History Museum, Trinity College, Dublin, and also in the Museum of the Royal College of Science, Dublin. 504 OSSIFICATION OF THE THIRD TROCHANTER IN MAN. however, he says, sometimes absent. I am indebted to Prof. J. M'Fadgean for this information regarding the femur of the horse. On the other hand, Owen, speaking of the third trochanter of the rhinoceros, says "ossification sometimes ex- tends from the great trochanter to the third trochanter." I have had no opportunity of examining a young specimen of this animal, yet I would venture to suggest that in the rhinoceros also a special centre may be present both for the third and the great trochanter, and that they unite in some cases to form a single epiphysis. This might give rise to the appearance of an extension of ossification from the great to the third trochanter. In one specimen of Cmlogenys paca that I have had an oppor- tunity of examining, the epiphyses of the great and third tro- chanters are in actual contact, although distinct. The fact that the third trochanter of man thus closely resembles in its mode of development that of lower mammals adds to it an interest, especially as the presence of this trochanter is stated to be a characteristic of the femora of higher rather than of lower races, and of man rather than of apes..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 06 Bolanowski.P65
    Folia Morphol. Vol. 64, No. 3, pp. 168–175 Copyright © 2005 Via Medica O R I G I N A L A R T I C L E ISSN 0015–5659 www.fm.viamedica.pl The occurrence of the third trochanter and its correlation to certain anthropometric parameters of the human femur Wojciech Bolanowski1, Alicja Śmiszkiewicz-Skwarska2, Michał Polguj1, Kazimierz S. Jędrzejewski1 1Department of Normal Anatomy, Medical University, Łódź, Poland 2Department of Anthropology, University of Łódź, Poland [Received 16 May 2005; Accepted 20 June 2005] The purpose of the study was to analyse the occurrence of the third trochanter and its correlation with the morphology of the human femur. The third tro- chanter was found in 38 of 622 (6.2%) human femora taken from 3 excavation sites. 36 of these were included in the study and were compared to the femora without the third trochanter. The bones with the third trochanter were charac- terised by a greater superior sagittal diameter and diaphysis platymetry index as well as a larger greater trochanter. These results suggest that the third trochant- er is not a progressive morphological feature of the skeleton. Rather it is con- nected with an altered gluteal muscle function. Key words: osteometry, human skeleton, third trochanter, femur INTRODUCTION ses studies have revealed significant differences The third trochanter (trochanter tertius, Fig. 1) among ethnic groups as well as between male and of the human femur is a descriptive term for the female skeletons of the same population. A higher prominent structure frequently localised under the incidence of the third trochanter in females has been greater trochanter in the superior part of the gluteal reported in many studies on various human popula- tuberosity.
    [Show full text]
  • Epiphyseal Closure of Femur, Tibia and Fibula of the Paca
    Journal of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry Volume 5 | Issue 4 ISSN: 2348-9790 Research Article Open Access Epiphyseal Closure of Femur, Tibia and Fibula of the Paca (Cuniculus Paca, Linnaeus, 1766) Lippi ICC, Oliveira RGS, Smargiassi NF, Machado MRF, Sasahara THC, Rocha TASS and Oliveira FS* Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil *Corresponding author: Oliveira FS, Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Via de Acesso Paulo Donato Castelane – 14884-900 - Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil, E-mail: [email protected] Citation: Lippi ICC, Oliveira RGS, Smargiassi NF, Machado MRF, Sasahara THC, et al. (2017) Epiphyseal Closure of Femur, Tibia and Fibula of the Paca (Cuniculus Paca, Linnaeus, 1766). J Vet Sci Ani Husb 5(4): 403. doi: 10.15744/2348-9790.5.403 Received Date: October 29, 2017 Accepted Date: December 27, 2017 Published Date: December 29, 2017 Abstract After capybara, paca (Cuniculus paca) is the largest rodent in the neotropical region and the body weight varies from 5 to 10 kg, and may reach up to 14 kg. They are animals that reach sexual maturity at around 10 months of age. The aim of this research is to examine, through radiography, the femur, tibia and fibula of the paca. The animals were anaesthetized for radiographic exams. At 6 months of age, the growth line of the femoral proximal epiphysis ceases to perform its functions. At 12 months of age, there is the closure of the line growth of distal femoral epiphysis. At the paca’s tibia, at 12 months old, there was the closure of the growth of the proximal epiphysis.
    [Show full text]
  • Incidence of Third Trochanter and Hypotrochanteric Fossa in Human Femora in Indian Population
    Page 1 of 4 Research study Incidence of third trochanter and hypotrochanteric fossa Anatomy in human femora in Indian population. S Ghosh1*, M Sethi1, N Vasudeva1 Abstract The knowledge of the occurrence stabilization and control of the thigh Introduction would be crucial for the diagnosis and indicating medio-lateral reinforcement Third trochanter is described as an management of pertrochanteric to resist high mechanical stress in erect 5 oval tubercle at the superior end of fractures and also in the study of posture and locomotion. Different the gluteal tuberosity. The importance microevolutionary trends in the varieties of impressions are seen at the of the third trochanter in anthropometric and comparative site of the insertion of gluteus maximus studies of humans. ranging from rounded or oblong pertrochanteric fractures have been recently hypothesized to be correlated tubercle, Third Trochanter, to a ridge or with the fracture break lines in Introduction a prolonged elevation, Gluteal pertrochanteric fractures. The third In many anthropometric studies the tuberosity, or a groove known as trochanter may function to provide third trochanter and the Hypotrochanteric Fossa. Most increased skeletal mass as a hypotrochanteric fossa are commonly commonly seen gluteal tuberosity is reinforcement mechanism for the used non metric variations of the well described in textbooks of anatomy. proximal diaphysis in response to postcranial skeleton. They serve for Hence the study analysed the presence increased ground reaction force. The descriptive purposes of the proximal of third trochanter and hypotrochanteric fossa is considered end of the femur in various ethnic hypotrochanteric fossa in an Indian population. to be a varied manifestation of the groups.
    [Show full text]
  • Ó Incidence of Third Trochanter/Crista Glutei in Human Femora in Central Indian Population
    JKIMSU, Vol. 6, No. 2, April-June 2017 ISSN 2231-4261 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Incidence of Third Trochanter/Crista Glutei in Human Femora in Central Indian Population 1* 2 3 Rupa Chhaparwal , Vishal Bhadkaria , Nidhi Chhaparwal 1Department of Anatomy, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore-453555 (Madhya Pradesh) India, 2Department of Anatomy, Bundelkhand Medical College Sagar- 470001 (Madhya Pradesh) India, 3 Department of Anatomy, D. Y. Patil Medical College, Pimpri-Pune- 411018 (Maharashtra)India Abstract: Introduction: Background: The third trochanter is a rounded bony The femur is known for being the largest and projection which may be present along the superior longest bone in the human skeleton. This bone border of the gluteal tuberosity of the femur.Sometime supports all of the weight of the body during there is linear elevation along the gluteal tuberosity standing, walking and running. Femur is the most called as crista glutei. If conical projection is present in measured and reported bone of the human skeleton. the gluteal tuberosity, it is called as third trochanter. Researchers have great work on human femora Aim and Objectives: To undertake the study of because it separates humans greatly from primates incidences of third trochanter and crista glutei in and early hominids. It also play great role in central Indian population this study was undertaken biological and forensic science. The structural and to compare it with occurrence in other series. function of the femur requires that it endure these Material and Methods: Fifty dry adult human femora collected from the Department of Anatomy and mechanical loads, by changing its shape, size and examined carefully.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of an Anatomic Variant That May Mimic Prefracture
    SMGr up Research Article SM Journal of Assessment of an Anatomic Variant Clinical Anatomy That May Mimic Prefracture Findings of Drug-Associated Atypical Femoral Fractures on Conventional Radiographs: The Third Trochanter Troy H Maetani1*, Stacy E Smith2 and Barbara N Weissman2 1Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, USA 2Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, USA Article Information Abstract Received date: Jan 31, 2018 Introduction: The study objective was to assess lateral femoral cortex variants that may mimic prefracture Accepted date: Feb 13, 2018 findings of drug-associated atypical femoral fractures (AFF) among hip radiographs. Published date: Feb 16, 2018 Materials and Methods: Bilateral hip radiographs of 1493 consecutive patients (mean age 67.7, 804 women) were reviewed. Hips were positive if localized lateral subtrochanteric femoral cortical thickening (LSFCT) *Corresponding author was present. Positive studies were divided into a medication group if history of bisphosphonate or denosumab use was present or a variant group. The medication group was subcategorized into a prefracture group if classing Troy H Maetani, Division of beaking LSFCT or a contralateral AFF was presentor a non-prefracture group. The LSFCT width, femoral head Musculoskeletal Imaging and and lesser subtrochanteric distances were measured. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed (p <0.01) to compare the three groups, with post hoc Tukey HSD evaluation. Cross-sectional imaging for each group was Intervention, Department of Radiology, reviewed. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Results: Of the1493 exams, 1079 were included. In the 24 patients with LSFCT, 8 patients were assigned School of Medicine, 101 Manning Drive, to the medication group and 16 to the variant group.
    [Show full text]
  • CASE REPORT the THIRD TROCHANTER in HUMAN FEMUR: a CASE REPORT Rajkumari Ajita1, Aribam Jaishree2, G
    DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2015/1047 CASE REPORT THE THIRD TROCHANTER IN HUMAN FEMUR: A CASE REPORT Rajkumari Ajita1, Aribam Jaishree2, G. Tempy Sangma3, Purnabati S4 HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Rajkumari Ajita, Aribam Jaishree, G. Tempy Sangma, Purnabati S. “The Third Trochanter in Human Femur: A Case Report”. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences 2015; Vol. 4, Issue 41, May 21; Page: 7224-7228, DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2015/1047 ABSTRACT: During routine osteology demonstration class of 100 numbers of Under Graduate M. B. B. S. Students at the Department of Anatomy, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, we have come across one unique and unusual finding that one right human femur was found to be present with an elongated bony projection along the superior border of the gluteal tuberosity. It was found to be present about 7cm below the tip of the greater trochanter and the bony projection was about 1.70cm in length. It was localised laterally to the line connecting the tip of greater trochanter with superior bifurcation to the linear aspera. No any other anatomical abnormality was found in the above mentioned femur. The other remaining portion of the said femur was found with their normal anatomical features. The photograph of the right human femur mentioned above was taken for proper documentation and for ready reference. This case report has provided some additional evidence to the researchers and anatomists to enhance the understanding of the human femur more particularly the third trochanter and its significance. The present case study revealed an unusual finding as referred to above.
    [Show full text]
  • Morphological Variation of the Proximal Femur in Selected Skeletal Remains
    MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION OF THE PROXIMAL FEMUR IN SELECTED SKELETAL REMAINS A Thesis by Jessica Lynn Brown B.S. Michigan State University, 2002 Submitted to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the faculty of the Graduate School of Wichita State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts May 2006 MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION OF THE PROXIMAL FEMUR IN SELECTED SKELETAL REMAINS I have examined the final copy of this thesis for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts with a major in Anthropology. __________________________________________ Peer H. Moore-Jansen, Ph.D., Committee Chair We have read this thesis and recommend its acceptance: __________________________________________ Robert Lawless, Ph.D., Committee Member __________________________________________ John Carter, Ph.D., Committee Member ii DEDICATION To My Family and Friends iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Funding for this research came from three generous sources. Dr. Todd Fenton provided me with the opportunity to experience Albania’s past and present in two separate field seasons. The Moore-Jansen Scholarship and the Nancy Berner Fund through the Anthropology Department at Wichita State University provided financial support to study the Hamann-Todd collection in Cleveland. The expense of travel and accommodations during data collection during all of these experiences was greatly appreciated by these considerate awards. I would like to thank all the members of my thesis committee, Dr. Peer Moore-Jansen, Dr. Robert Lawless, and Dr. John Carter for their comments and suggestions. Throughout this process Dr. Peer Moore-Jansen provided invaluable guidance on how to conduct and report meaningful research, which will stay with me always.
    [Show full text]
  • Macroanatomy of the Bones of Pelvis and Hind Limb of an Asian Elephant (Elephas Maximus)
    Int. J. Morphol., 31(4):1473-1478, 2013. Macroanatomy of the Bones of Pelvis and Hind Limb of an Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) Macroanatomía de los Huesos de la Pelvis y del Miembro Posterior de un Elefante Asiático (Elephas maximus) Subrata Kumar Shil; Md. Abul Quasem; Mohammad Lutfur Rahman; A. S. M. Golam Kibria; Mohi Uddin & A. S. M. Lutful Ahasan SHIL, S. K.; QUASEM, M. A.; RAHMAN, M. L.; KIBRIA, A. S. M. G.; UDDIN, M. & AHASAN, A. S. M. L. Macroanatomy of the bones of pelvis and hind limb of an Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus). Int. J. Morphol., 31(4):1473-1478, 2013. SUMMARY: Recent excavated skeleton of an adult female Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), died in dystokia in Bangladesh was used for macro anatomical study. Some unique morphological features of bones of hind limb were observed. Pelvic canal was more oval and the wings of ilium were wider. Rump slope was about 36°. Angle between femur and tibia was close to 180°. In Femur, the major trochanter was located at the lower level of head. Minor trochanter, fovea capitis and trochanteric ridge were absent. Supracondyloid fossa was shallow but the intercondyloid fossa was deep. Posterior surface of patella possessed a blunt vertical ridge. The articular surfaces of both tibial condyles were clearly concave. The tibia and the fibula were articulated proximally and distally with keeping a wide interosseous space. Instead of tibial tuberosity, there was an elongated triangular depression in proximal part. There were six tarsal bones arranged in three rows. The comparative size of the distal tarsal bones were III+IV > I > II.
    [Show full text]
  • Animal Chiropractic Technique Manual
    Animal Chiropractic Technique Manual HINDLIMB TECHNIQUES Equine ©ABPA 2015 revised 2006, 2007, 2008, 2015 5/03/2017 1 EQUINE HINDLIMB TECHNIQUES Hindlimb Hind Limb Dance Stance 3 1. Extension Restriction Of Coxofemoral joint 4 2. Flexion Restriction Of Coxofemoral joint 5 3. Internal/External Rotation Restriction of the Coxofemoral joint / Stifle 6 4. Femorotibial Extension Restriction 7 5. Medial/Lateral Patella Glide Deviation 8 6. Proximal Patella Glide Restriction 8 7. Hock Extension Restriction 9 8. Hock Flexion Restriction 9 9. Restricted Dorsal to Plantar Tarsal Glide 10 10. Internal/External Rotation of the Hock 11 Cautions: 1. With all hindlimb adjustments beware of being kicked, especially by fillies. If you feel at all uncomfortable or threatened don’t go there.! 2. Many techniques are long lever which can create a great deal of force – use due caution and be gentle. 5/03/2017 2 ‘Hind Limb Dance’ Stance Notes: 5/03/2017 3 1. Extension Restriction Of Coxofemoral joint Joint Coxofemoral joint Motion restriction Extension Doctor position Standing slightly behind and to ipsilateral side in ‘Hind limb Dance’ position facing cranial Facing cranially on the affected side in the “Dance” position, supporting the hindlimb with the inside leg and inside or caudal hand holding calcaneal or achilles tendon. Outside or cranial hand makes contact with the greater trochanter. Alternatively doctor may switch hands and stabilise the calcaneal tendon with the outside or cranial hand Animal position S.C.P Caudal aspect of the greater trochanter 1o C.P Hypothenar, Calcaneal, Palmar 2o C.P Hand grasping achilles tendon or calcaneal of hock L.O.C Cd>Cr Thrust Notes As thrust is delivered doctors inside heel is dropped and swung laterally, stretching out leg further and moving the distal femur from lateral to medial.
    [Show full text]
  • THIRD TROCANTER of HUMAN FEMORA in NORTH KARNATAKA REGION Sarita Sylvia 1, Md.Khaleel Ahmed 2, Priyanka Jainapur 3
    International Journal of Anatomy and Research, Int J Anat Res 2015, Vol 3(2):1011-14. ISSN 2321- 4287 Original Article DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijar.2015.149 THIRD TROCANTER OF HUMAN FEMORA IN NORTH KARNATAKA REGION Sarita Sylvia 1, Md.Khaleel Ahmed 2, Priyanka Jainapur 3. 1 Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, MRMC, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. *2 Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, KBNIMS, Kalaburagi. Karnataka, India. 3 Post graduate, Department of Anatomy MRMC, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. ABSTRACT Introduction: In orthopaedic surgery, trochanteric region is an important as it’s an entry point, usually lateral side of the great trochanter, although anterior and posterior approaches have variable interest. For implants such as plates and DHS (dynamic hip screw), lateral approach is standard. After skin, fat tissue and fascia lata, vastuslateralis muscle is reached and elevated to approach lateral surface of subtrochanteric area. For implants as intra-medullar nail, minimally invasive approach is in routine use. Despite abundant research of general femoral morphology, especially its specific morphological parts (femoral head, neck, shaft, and its distal part involved in knee joint). Materials and methods: Study on 158 dry adult human femur of unknown age & sex collected from the department of anatomy and phase I students of KBNIMS, Kalaburagi, Karnataka. The broken or non-dried specimens were excluded from the study. Results: The third trochanter was present in 4.43% of the femora. Although the incidence was higher on the right side it was not statistically significant. Discussion: Another study which reported the side variations in Whites and Negroes, documented higher incidence on right side in White and on left side in Negro population; it also reported the trait to be more common in females in both Whites and Negroes.
    [Show full text]
  • The Third Trochanter of Femur - an Anatomical Study
    International Journal of Current Research and Review Research Article DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31782/IJCRR.2020.122333 The Third Trochanter of Femur - An Anatomical Study IJCRR 1 1 2 Section: Healthcare Gyanaranjan Nayak , Saurjya Ranjan Das , Sitansu Kumar Panda , Sci. Journal Impact 3 Factor: 6.1 (2018) B Shanta Kumari ICV: 90.90 (2018) 1Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 2 Copyright@IJCRR Odisha 751003, India; Professor, Department of Anatomy, IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhu- baneswar, Odisha 751003, India; 3Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751003, India. ABSTRACT . Background: The third trochanter is a rounded, linear or conical projection along the superior border of gluteal tuberosity of the femur. Purpose of the study is to find the frequency of the third trochanter in human femora and determine its dimensions and its distance from the tip of greater trochanter of the femur. Methods: Sixty dry human femora (thirty right and thirty left) were examined for the presence of third trochanter, their dimen- sions and their distance from greater trochanter being measured by slide calliper. Results: The third trochanter was noted in 21.66 % cases. Their mean length and width were found to be 2.61 ± 0.97 cm and 0.96 ± 0.15 cm respectively. The average distance of the third trochanter from the tip of the greater trochanter was found to be 6.81 ± 0.64 cm. Conclusion: The current study will be useful in anthropometry and orthopaedics.
    [Show full text]
  • The University of Michigan
    CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE MUSEUM OF PALEONTOLOGY THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN VOL. 28. No. 10, PP. 221-24s December 15. 1992 SKELETON OF ALOCODONTULUM ATOPUM, AN EARLY EOCENE EPOICOTHERIID (MAMMALIA, PALAEANODONTA) FROM THE BIGIIORN BASIN, WYOh4ING KENNETH D. ROSE, ROBERT J. EMRY, AND PHILIP D. GINGERICH MUSEUM OF PALEONTOLOGY THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ANN ARBOR CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE MUSEUM OF PALEONTOLOGY Philip D. Gingerich, Director This series of contributions from the Museum of Paleontology is a medium for publication of papers based chiefly on collections in the Museum. When the number of pages issued is sufficient to make a volume, a title page and a table of contents will be sent to libraries on the mailing list, and to individuals on request. A list of the separate issues may also be obtained by request. Correspondenceshould be directed to the Museum of Paleontology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1079. VOLS. 2-28. Parts of volumes may be obtained if available. Price lists are available upon inquiry. SKELETON OF ALOCODONTULUM ATOPUM, AN EARLY EOCENE EPOICOTHERIID (MAMMALIA, PALAEANODONTA) FROM THE BIGHORN BASIN, WYOMING BY KENNETH D. ROSE', ROBERT J. EMRY~,AND PHILIP D. GINGERICH Abstract.- A substantially complete skeleton of the early Eocene palaeanodont Alocodontulum atopum from the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, is described. It is the oldest and most complete known skeleton referable to the family Epoicotheriidae. Alocodontulum was dentally more generalized but post- cranially more specialized than the contemporary metacheiromyid Palaeano- don. It displays numerous modifications for fossorial habits, which are particularly prevalent in the forelimb skeleton. Certain characters, especially in the manus, foreshadow specializations carried to extreme in subterranean Oligocene epoicotheriids.
    [Show full text]