Paw

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

This article is about a part of animal anatomy. See also PAW and Paw (band).

Front paw of dog showing A) Claw, B) Digital Pads, C) Metacarpal Pad, D) Dew Claw, E) Carpal Pad.

A paw is the soft foot of a mammal, generally a quadruped, that has claws or nails. A hard foot is called a hoof. Paws are used to pad feet for walking and reduce friction.

[edit] Common Characteristics of the Paw

The paw is characterized by thick, pigmented, keratinised, hairless epidermis covering subcutaneous, collagenous, adipose tissue which make up the pads. These pads act as a cushion for the load-bearing limbs of the animal. The paw consists of the large, heart-shaped metacarpal pad (forelimb) or metatarsal pad (rear limb), and generally four load bearing digital pads, although there can be five or six toes in the case of bears and the Giant Panda. A carpal pad is also found on the forelimb which is used for additional traction when stopping or descending a slope in digitigrade species. Additional dew claws can also be present.

The paw also includes a horny, beak shaped claw on each digit.

[edit] Animals with paws

• Members of the Canidae family, such as dogs and foxes
• Felines, such as cats and tigers
• Bears and Raccoons

A dog's paw resting on a hard concrete surface.

A tiger's paw, showing pads.

[edit] See also

• Claw

[edit] References

• Anatomy of the dog's foot