Figure 11.
Schematic representation of a digital pad of Hyla cinerea in the midsagittal plane. (AI) Proposed mechanism of shear load transmission during proximal pulling on the middle phalanx. (AII) Equilibrium of the external forces and moments (free body diagram) acting on the shear‐loaded ventral cutis and collagen layer with a hypothetical distribution of shear and normal loads acting on the ventral pad surface during steady attachment. In reality, shear loads will be orders of magnitude higher than normal loads. (B) Hypothesised mechanism of normal load transmission and the induction of peeling during extension of the distal phalanx. (C) Proposed functions of the smooth muscle fibres (m.).