hind limb

Back walking appendage

Hind limb refers to a rear leg of a four-legged animal, as distinct from the forelimbs.

The term appears in anatomical, veterinary, and evolutionary contexts: The frog's powerful hind limbs enable jumping.

In discussions of whale evolution, vestigial hind limbs serve as evidence of terrestrial ancestry.

anatomy

femur

Upper leg bone

pelvis · tarsals · metatarsals · phalanges · hamstring · quadriceps · gastrocnemius · soleus · adductor · hip joint

locomotion

gallop

Swiftest quadruped gait

  • trotPace between walk, canter
  • canterModerate equine gait
  • sprintBrief maximum-speed effort

run · walk · stride · leap · bound · kick · jump · hop · spring · pounce

quadruped

paw

Animal's clawed foot

  • clawCurved animal nail
  • hoofHorny foot covering
  • haunchHip and upper thigh

rump · dewclaw · spur · talon · frog · drumstick · thigh · leg · rear leg · plantigrade

injury

fracture

Split in hard material

hip dysplasia · dislocation · atrophy · paralysis · amputation · prosthesis · rehabilitation · splint · cast · brace

Opposites
body position/anatomical location

hind limbforelimb

Anterior vertebrate appendage

foreleg · forepaw · arm · wing · pectoral fin

Family

hind, limb, hinds, limbs, behind, hinder, hindmost, hindquarters, limbed

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