foreleg

The foreleg is the front limb of many four‑legged animals, providing the main means of support and propulsion. It connects the body to the ground and absorbs impact during movement. In veterinary and zoological contexts, the term forelimb is often used, but foreleg is common in everyday references to horses, dogs, cattle and other mammals.

The foreleg consists of bone, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments arranged into several segments. Proximally, the shoulder girdle anchors the limb to the trunk via the scapula and glenohumeral joint. The upper arm contains the humerus, followed by the forearm with the radius and ulna. The carpus forms the wrist, the metacarpus the palm region in humans and the digits include the phalanges.

Across species, the composition of the foreleg varies. In dogs and cats, the forelimb ends in a paw with multiple toes and claws; in horses and other ungulates, the limb ends with a single weight-bearing digit that is encased in hoof tissue. In horses, the cannon bone is the enlarged third metacarpal; they also have specialized structures such as the fetlock joint (metacarpophalangeal joint) and the suspensory ligament that supports it, as well as the pastern and coffin joints.

Clinical relevance: Foreleg injuries and degenerative conditions are common concerns in veterinary medicine, including fractures of the radius or humerus, carpal injuries, and tendinous or ligamentous strains. Understanding foreleg anatomy aids in diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.