Tarsal ligaments of the spectacled bear, Tremarctos ornatus

Abstract

The tarsal ligaments of the spectacled bear are basically similar to those of man. 2. Three ligaments found in man—the calcaneotibial, the tibio- navicular, and the calcaneocuboid 3. One ligament found in the bear—the medial plantar —are wanting in the bear. — is want- ing in man. This ligament is associated with a broad short plantar complex that contrasts with the narrow long complex of man. 4. In the bear an interarticular meniscus is situated in the talo- fibular joint. 5. In the bear the medial and lateral talocalcaneal ligaments are extremely heavy, embrace the head of the astragalus, and are the key to movements in the lower tarsal joint. In man the medial ligament has been displaced backward from its original attachment site on the head of the astragalus. 6. The tarsus of the bear is a more flexible but less stable structure than is the tarsus of man.