Abstract

Aim: The study was aimed to investigate the unique morphological features and number of bones making up the region of the animal’s skeleton. 

Method and Materials: Two (2) adult African lions were obtained as carcass after post-mortem examination at different times for study and cold water maceration was used to extract the bones.  

Results: Each Os Coxae presented ilio-pubic eminence immediately lateral to the median pubic tubercle; an iliac tubercle cranial to the acetabulum and a large ellipsoidal obturator foramen. Articular surfaces for fabella articulation, lateral and medial supracondyloid tubercles and shallow supracondyloid fossa were all observed above the distal condyles. The internal articular surface of the patella was restricted to the proximal third while the extensive interosseous space between the tibia and fibula spanned the entire shaft length. The Pes composed of 6 tarsals and 4long metatarsals which anchored 3 digits with 3 phalanges each. The 3rd phalanx had a unique appearance with a crescent plate projecting from the ventral opening. The total number of bones making up the forelimbs was counted to be 65.

Conclusion: In the study, it was concluded baseline data for future biomedical, archaeological and comparative anatomical studies.

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