The Functional Anatomy of the Carpometacarpal Complex in Anthropoids and Its Implications for the Evolution of the Hominoid Hand

• Published in: Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) Vol. 299; no. 5; pp. 583 - 600
• Main Authors: Selby, Michael S., Simpson, Scott W., lovejoy, C. Owen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2016
• Subjects: Animals; Ardipithecus ramidus; Ateles; Biological Evolution; capitate; Carpal Bones - anatomy & histology; Carpal Bones - physiology; Hand - anatomy & histology; Hand - physiology; Haplorhini - anatomy & histology; Hominidae - anatomy & histology; Humans; Hylobates; knuckle walking; Locomotion - physiology; metacarpus; primate evolution; wrist; Wrist Joint - anatomy & histology; Wrist Joint - physiology; knuckle walking; Ardipithecus ramidus; Hylobates; Ateles; primate evolution; capitate; metacarpus; wrist

ABSTRACT Previously, we described several features of the carpometacarpal joints in extant large‐bodied apes that are likely adaptations to the functional demands of vertical climbing and suspension. We observed that all hominids, including modern humans and the 4.4‐million‐year‐old hominid Ardipith...