Anatomy and baseline histology of the hoof capsule, corium, and digital cushion in free-ranging southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa)
Fig 6
Sagittal section of the giraffe hoof capsule sole with regional close-ups.
(A) Longitudinal section of the sole from heel to toe (toe tip oriented to the right). The sole is thickest beneath the toe tip and heel, and thinner across the central and caudal sole regions. Tubules within the sole are arranged diagonally, angling dorso-distally toward the tip of the hoof. (B) Heel region: ruler demonstrates sole thickness and diagonal tubule orientation. (C) Central sole region: thinner sole with consistent diagonal tubule orientation. (D) Toe tip region: ruler indicates greatest thickness and oblique tubule orientation.