Smuts, M.M.S. (Malie Marie Sophie), 1933-Bezuidenhout, A.J. (Abraham Johannes), 1942-Verwoerd, Daniel Wynand2014-01-202014-01-2020131993Smuts, MMS & Bezuidenhout, AJ 1993, 'Osteology of the thoracic limb of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana)’, Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 1-14.0330-2465http://hdl.handle.net/2263/33019The articles have been scanned in colour with a HP Scanjet 5590; 600dpi. Adobe Acrobat XI Pro was used to OCR the text and also for the merging and conversion to the final presentation PDF-format.The forelimb bones of 8 elephants (7 adults, 1 juvenile) were studied. In addition, the bones of the digits were dissected and studied in situ in a mature specimen. The scapula, humerus and bones of the antebrachium (particularly the ulna) are massive in comparison to the short, relatively small bones of the manus. There are 8 carpal bones, 5 metacarpal bones and 5 digits. Digits 2-4 consist of 3 phalanges each. The 5th digit consists of 2 phalanges, while the 1st is represented by a single phalanx which is tusk-like and pointed. The distal phalanges of digits 2-4 are very small and do not articulate with the middle phalanges. The proximal sesamoids are well developed and are present on the palmar aspect of all 5 metacarpophalangeal joints. All the bones are illustrated from at least 2 aspects.en© ARC-Onderstepoort (original). © University of Pretoria. Dept of Library Services (digital).Veterinary medicineVeterinary anatomyVeterinary medicine -- South AfricaArticle