What is the term for the bones located in the front paw before the digits?

The term that refers to the bones located in the front paw before the digits is "metacarpals." These bones are situated between the carpal bones (which are the wrist bones) and the phalanges (the bones of the digits or toes). In the structure of the forelimb, the metacarpals support the paw and are crucial for the animal's ability to walk, run, and support weight.

The tarsus relates to bones in the hind leg, thus not applicable to the front paw. Carpals specifically refer to the bones that make up the wrist, which are not located before the digits. Phalanges, on the other hand, are the bones of the fingers or toes and follow the metacarpals in the anatomical hierarchy. Therefore, the metacarpals are the correct terminology for the bones in the front paw preceding the digits.