Forelimbs are the pair of appendages or limbs positioned at the front part of an animal's body, typically attached to the shoulder girdle or pectoral region. They are commonly observed in vertebrates, especially mammals, birds, and reptiles, and play a crucial role in mobility, manipulation, and balance.
Characterized by their distinct position compared to the hindlimbs or hind limbs, forelimbs often exhibit a greater range of motion and dexterity due to their function in daily activities such as walking, running, climbing, and grasping objects. These appendages are usually well-developed, and their structure and shape may vary greatly across different species and evolutionary adaptations.
In mammals, forelimbs typically consist of segments like the upper arm, forearm, wrist, and hands (including fingers or paws). The bones present in the forelimb are usually the humerus, ulna, and radius, which provide a framework for the attachment of muscles and support the limb's movement. Additionally, mammals may exhibit specialized structures in their forelimbs, such as wings in bats or flippers in marine mammals like seals or dolphins.
In birds, the forelimbs have evolved into wings that facilitate flight, with feathers acting as aerofoils. The bones in the avian forelimb include the humerus, radius, ulna, and metacarpals that support the feathered flight apparatus.
Reptiles also possess forelimbs, which may be structured differently depending on their lifestyle. Examples include the limbs used for crawling and walking in snakes, or the forelimbs modified into fins for swimming in aquatic reptiles like turtles or marine iguanas.
Overall, forelimbs are crucial anatomical structures that contribute extensively to an animal's locomotion
