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Apaw is the soft foot-like part of amammal, generally aquadruped, that hasclaws.
The paw is characterised by thin,pigmented,keratinised, hairlessepidermis coveringsubcutaneouscollagenous andadipose 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-shapedmetacarpal or palmar pad (forelimb) ormetatarsal or plantar pad (rear limb), and generally four load-bearingdigital pads, although there can be five or six toes in the case ofdomestic cats andbears (includinggiant panda). Acarpal pad is also found on the forelimb which is used for additionaltraction when stopping or descending a slope indigitigrade species. Additionaldewclaws can also be present.
The paw also includes a horn-like, beak shapedclaw on eachdigit. Though usually hairless, certain animals do have fur on the soles of their paws. An example is thered panda, whose furry soles help insulate them in their snowy habitat.
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