Vetinerary Assistant Practice Exam

What type of bone in animals is equivalent to the human ankle?

1. Carpus

2. Tarsus

3. Metatarsus

4. Phalanges

The correct answer is: Tarsus

The tarsus is the group of bones in the hind limb of animals that corresponds to the human ankle. It consists of several small bones that together provide support and flexibility to the leg when in motion, much like the human ankle joint allows for movement and weight-bearing in the foot. In contrast, the carpus refers to the joint or group of bones in the front limb of animals, similar to the human wrist. The metatarsus consists of the long bones found between the tarsus and the phalanges in the foot, while the phalanges are the individual bones making up the toes. Thus, the tarsus is the only term in this context that accurately describes the anatomical alignment similar to the human ankle.