A paw is the soft foot-like part of a mammal, generally a quadruped, that has . To paw is for an animal to use their paws, usually gently or for digging, or for a human to use their hands in the manner of an animal's paw.
Common characteristics
The paw is characterised by thin,
,
, hairless epidermis covering subcutaneous
and
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 or palmar pad (forelimb) or
metatarsal or plantar pad (rear limb), and generally four load-bearing
toe pads, although there can be five or six toes in the case of
and
(including
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
can also be present.
The paw also includes a horn-like, beak shaped claw on each toe. Though usually hairless, certain animals do have fur on the soles of their paws. An example is the red panda, whose furry soles help insulate them in their snowy habitat.
Animals with paws
== Gallery ==
's paws.]]
's paws.]]
's paw resting on a hard concrete surface]]
's paws]]
's paw, showing pads]]
's paw, showing pads.]]
.]]
.]]
]]
See also
Bibliography
