Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXIX, Issue 1
Written by Petronela Mihaela ROȘU, Bogdan GEORGESCU, Cristian Romeo BELU, Iulian DUMITRESCU, Paul George STOICULEASĂ, Adela Ioana MUSTĂȚEA, Sorina Andreea MIHAI
This study aims to analyze and describe the morphological features of the bones that comprise the pectoral girdle (zonoskeleton), stylopodium, and zeugopodium of the thoracic limb of the Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) from Romania. The bones of a brown bear specimen, belonging to the collection of the discipline of Anatomy, were used. This species is protected and hunting is restricted. These particularities play an important role in differentiating this species from other carnivores. The data in the specialized literature is limited, to bone pathology, mechanics of the forelimb joints, and skull particularities. The analysis of the bones' morphological particularities leads to the following conclusions. The ratio of the supraspinous fossa and the infraspinous fossa is 1: 1, as seen in most carnivores. In this species, the infraspinous fossa is limited caudally by a straight and high thoracic edge (supplementary spine), smaller compared to the scapular spine. Posterior to the additional spine is another surface, intended to insert the teres major muscle. The humeral tubercles are short, and the lateral epicondyle crest is high, sharp, and drawn craniolaterally.
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