The aponeuroses of the lacertilian ankle

Abstract

Despite pioneering and detailed work by McMurrich (Am. J. Anat. 4:33-76, '05; Am. J. Anat. 6:407-437, '07), the structure of the "plantar aponeurosis" of the lacertilian pes has remained poorly understood. In recent years a better understanding has been gained of the form and function of the mesotarsal joint of the lacertilian ankle and its role in the mechanics of sprawling locomotion. These developments have necessitated a reevaluation of the structural relationship of the "plantar aponeurosis" because McMurrich's (Am. J. Anat. 4:33-76, '05; Am. J. Anat. 6:407-437, '07) studies indicated that the aponeurosis is complex and should not be considered as a single sheet of connective tissue. The current contribution presents a detailed analysis of the anatomical relationships of the stratified aponeurotic sheets that traverse the ankle joint and attempts to relate these components to previous analyses of the functioning of the anlkle during locomotion. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.