Editing Velociraptor (section)

===Postcranial skeleton===
[[File:Velociraptor MPC-D 100 985 pes line.png|thumb|left|150px|Line diagram of the pes of ''V. mongoliensis'' (MPC-D 100/985)]]
The arm of ''Velociraptor'' was formed by the [[humerus]] (upper arm bone), [[Radius (bone)|radius]] and [[ulna]] (forearm bones), and [[Manus (zoology)|manus]] (hand). ''Velociraptor'', like other dromaeosaurids, had a large manus with three elongated [[Digit (anatomy)|digit]]s (fingers), which ended up in strongly curved unguals (claw bones) that were similar in construction and flexibility to the wing bones of modern [[bird]]s. The second digit was the longest of the three digits present, while the first was shortest. The structure of the [[carpal]] (wrist) bones prevented [[pronation]] of the wrist and forced the manus to be held with the [[Anatomical terms of location|palmar]] surface facing inward ([[Lateral and medial|medially]]), not downward. The [[Pes (anatomy)|pes]] (foot) anatomy of ''Velociraptor'' consisted of the metatarsus—a large element composed of three metatarsals of which the first one was extremely reduced in size—and four digits that developed large unguals. The first digit, as in other theropods, was a small [[dewclaw]]. The second digit, for which ''Velociraptor'' is most famous, was highly modified and held retracted off the ground, which caused ''Velociraptor'' and other dromaeosaurids to walk on only their third and fourth digits. It bore a relatively large, sickle-shaped claw, typical of dromaeosaurid and [[troodontid]] dinosaurs. This enlarged claw, which could grow to over {{convert|6.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} long around its outer edge, was most likely a predatory device used to restrain struggling prey.<ref name=norellmakovicky1997/><ref name=norellmakovicky1999/>
[[File:Velociraptor.jpg|thumb|Skeletal reconstruction of ''V. mongoliensis'' (MPC-D 100/25)]]
As in other dromaeosaurs, ''Velociraptor'' tails had [[prezygapophysis|prezygapophyses]] (long bony projections) on the upper surfaces of the [[vertebra]]e, as well as [[ossification|ossified]] [[tendon]]s underneath. The prezygapophyses began on the tenth tail (caudal) vertebra and extended forward to brace four to ten additional vertebrae, depending on position in the tail. These were once thought to fully stiffen the tail, forcing the entire tail to act as a single rod-like unit. However, at least one specimen has preserved a series of intact tail vertebrae curved sideways into an ''S''-shape, suggesting that there was considerably more horizontal flexibility than once thought.<ref name=norellmakovicky1997/><ref name=norellmakovicky1999>{{cite journal|last1=Norell |first1=Mark A. |last2=Makovicky |first2=Peter J. |year=1999 |title=Important features of the dromaeosaurid skeleton II: information from newly collected specimens of ''Velociraptor mongoliensis'' |journal=American Museum Novitates |issue=3282 |pages=1–45 |hdl=2246/3025}}</ref><ref name=fowler2011/>