Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology

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Common structures of the Proximal Hindlimb and Pelvis

Ilium

• The ilium makes up the craniodorsal part of the hip bone.
• It extends in a cranio-dorsal direction from the hip joint to the articulation with sacrum.
• It is made from a cranial wing and a caudal body.

Ilial Wing

• The margin of the wing is known as the iliac crest. Along the crest are two very important anatomical landmarks:
  • Tuber Coxae or Coxal Tuberosity forms the palpable point of the hip.
  • Sacral Tuber is the thickened mediodorsal angle of the ilial wing.
• The lateral surface of the wing provides a point of attachment for the gluteal muscles.
• The medial surface has two distinct parts:
  • The lateroventral part provides the point of insertion for many pelvic muscles.
  • The mediodorsal part articulate with the sacrum forming the sacroiliac joint
• The caudodorsal border of the wing is very concave and along its surface exists the greater sciatic notch. This is where the sciatic nerve runs over the ilium.

Ilial Body

• The only anatomical feature of note is the psoas tubercle on the ventral border. This provides attachment for the psoas muscle.

Ossification of the Ilium

Ischium

The Ischium can be divided into three main sections:

• The body
  • Is part of the acetabulum
  • The dorsal border is continuous with that of the ilium forming the ischiatic spine; this tapers towards the lesser sciatic notch.
• The caudal plate
  • Extends cranially into the symphysial and acetabular branches, which form the caudal borders of the obturator foramen.
  • The caudal section is thickened forming the ischial tuberosity. This is a visible landmark in most animals.
  • The medial caudal borders meet in a concave fashion forming a broad and deep notch called the ischial arch.
• The medial branch
  • This forms the caudal section of the pelvic symphysis

Ossification of the Ischium

Pubis Femur Ossification Centers of the Hindlimb

Joints of the Proximal Hindlimb

• Sacroiliac Joint
• Coxafemoral/Hip Joint

Common Structures of the Distal Hindlimb

• Tibia
• Fibula
• Tarsal bones
• Metatarsals

Joints of the Distal Hindlimb

• Stifle Joint
• Patella
• Tarsal Joint/Hock

Muscles of the Hindlimb

• Girdle Musculature
• Rump Muscles
• Muscles of the Stifle

Vasculature of the Hindlimb

• Arteries of the Hindlimb
• Veins of the Hindlimb
• Lymphatics of the Hindlimb

Species Specifics

• Canine Hindlimb
• Equine Hindlimb
• Bovine Hindlimb