(Redirected from Limbs)
A 'limb' (from the Old English ''lim'') is a jointed, or
prehensile (as
octopus tentacles or new world
monkey tails),
appendage of the
human or animal
body; a large or main
branch of a
tree; a representative, branch or member of a group or organization.
Most animals use limbs for
locomotion, such as
walking,
running, or
climbing. Some animals can use their front limbs (or upper limbs in humans) to carry and manipulate objects. Some animals can also use hind limbs for manipulation.
In the
human body, the
upper and
lower limbs are commonly called the
arms and the
legs. Human legs and
feet are specialised for two-legged locomotion -- most other mammals
walk and
run on all four limbs. Human arms are weaker, but very mobile allowing us to reach at a wide range of distances and angles, and end in specialised
hands capable of grasping and fine manipulation of objects.
Other Meanings
A 'limb' (from the Latin ''limbus'') is the graduated edge of a circle or arc within an astronomical or surveying instrument. In
astronomy, it designates the border or outermost edge of the apparent disk of a celestial body. In
botany, it designates the border or upper spreading part of a sympetallous
corolla or of a
petal or
sepal.
See also
★
Orthosis
★
Limb development
References