Karakteristik struktur skelet kaki biawak air (Varanus salvator)

Abstract

This study was aimed to observe the marphological of appendicular skeleton of Varanus salvator, associated with the function and behavior. Anatomy of appendicular skeleton of V. salvator was observed and measured of length of bones and joints. The bones and their parts of appendicular skeleton named base on Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria 2012 and Atlas of Komodo Dragon. On the forelimbs, os scapula has a convex shape, and has a broad joint with the os humerus. In the proximal part of the os humerus was found crista pectoralis, and the distal part of the bone is widened laterally. Ossa radius et ulna has spatium interosseum antebrachii along both of the bones. The hindlimbs consists of the os coxae has a concave shaped, os femoris which has three ossa articulatio genus on femorotibiofibularis joints, ossa et tibia fibula has spatium interosseum cruris along both of the bones. Soles area of the forelimbs and hindlimbs composed of ossa carpi/tarsi, ossa metacarpalia/metatarsalia and ossa phalanges manus/pedis which has compact structure and distinctive. This supports the ability to climb trees and gripping prey. The skeletal structure of the limb causes a high flexibility in the movement of the forelimbs and hindlimbs skeleton.