GROSS ANATOMY AND BIOMETRY ON TIBIOTARSUS, FIBULA AND TARSOMETATARSUS OF INDIAN EAGLE OWL (BUBO BENGALENSIS)

The present study was conducted on the tibiotarsus, fibula and tarsometatarsus of Indian eagle owl. Tibiotarsus was formed by the fusion of the distal end of the tibia with the proximal row of the tarsal bones. Proximal extremity presented large medial and a smaller lateral condyle. The lateral border of lateral condyle presented a facet for articulation with the head of the fibula. The proximal end of tibiotarsus possessed a sharp cranial cnemial crest and a lateral crest separated by inter-cnemial sulcus. Distal extremity presented large lateral and small medial condyles anteriorly which were separated by the inter-condyloid fossa. Extensor canal was seen immediately proximal to the condyles. Just below the lateral condyle, shaft presented a distinct fibular crest for the attachment of the shaft of the fibula. About the middle of the lateral surface there was presence of nutrient foramen. Fibula was much reduced bone. Body of the fibula had a rough area for attachment with fibular crest of tibiotarsus. Tarsometatarsus was formed by metatarsal bones II, III and IV which were fused with each other and with distal tarsal bones. Proximal extremity presented two concave articular facets for the condyles of tibiotarsus. On planter surface of proximal extremity hypotarsus was present hypotarsus. Shaft presented longitudinal lateral and medial crests on both dorsal and planter surfaces which were more prominent on planter surface. The distal extremity had three trochlea separated by two inter-trochlear clefts. Medial articular trochlear was at a higher level than middle and lateral. Medial inter-trochlear cleft was wider than the lateral cleft.