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Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 18:18, 14 January 2011
, 18:18, 14 January 2011→Muscles of the Hindlimb
These muscles arise from the ventral aspect of the lumbar vertebrae and will insert on either the pelvis or femur. They are also known as the '''sublumbar muscles'''. Their main function is to stabilise the vertebral column and pelvis during locomotion and for control of dorsiflexion and ventriflexion of the spine.
These muscles arise from the ventral aspect of the lumbar vertebrae and will insert on either the pelvis or femur. They are also known as the '''sublumbar muscles'''. Their main function is to stabilise the vertebral column and pelvis during locomotion and for control of dorsiflexion and ventriflexion of the spine.
'''Psoas Minor'''
:Function: flexion of the vertebral column during the stance phase. Stabilisation of the vertebral column.
:Origin: 2nd-3rd caudal thoracic vertebrae on their ventral aspect and the 4th/5th cranial lumbar vertebrae.
:Insertion: via a strong tendon to the psoas tubercle of the femoral shaft.
Function: flexion of the vertebral column during the stance phase. Stabilisation of the vertebral column.
'''Iliopsoas'''
:The strongest muscle of the girdle.
:Function: Flexion of the hip and outward rotation of the stifle. ie. draws hindlimb forward.
:In all animals, except carnivores, where they are fused, the muscle can be divided into two distinct parts.
Origin: 2nd-3rd caudal thoracic vertebrae on their ventral aspect and the 4th/5th cranial lumbar vertebrae.
'''Greater Psoas''' - the lumbar portion.
:Origin: last thoracic vertebrae and ribs and the bodies and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae.
:Insertion: Incorporates with iliac muscle and inserts on the lesser trochanter.
:It is positioned dorsally to the psoas minor and ventral to the quadrate lumbar muscle.
Insertion: via a strong tendon to the psoas tubercle of the femoral shaft.
'''Iliac '''muscle
:Origin: wing and shaft of ilium.
:Insertion: via the common iliopsoas tendon to the lesser trochanter of the femur.
:The muscle passes through the '''muscular lacuna'''; an opening between the os coxae laterally and caudally, the rectus abdominus medially and the iliac fascia cranially.
'''Quadrate Lumbar''' muscle
:Function: stabilisation of the lumbar vertebral column.
:Origin: Ventral aspect of the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae and the proximal ends of the ribs.
:Insertion: Ventral aspect of the wings of the ilium and sacrum.
Function: stabilisation of the lumbar vertebral column.
Origin: Ventral aspect of the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae and the proximal ends of the ribs.
Insertion: Ventral aspect of the wings of the ilium and sacrum.
===Rump Muscles===
===Rump Muscles===
'''''Superficial Gluteal Muscle'''''
'''''Superficial Gluteal Muscle'''''
:This muscle shows great species variance and will be explained on their respective pages.
This muscle shows great species variance and will be explained on their respective homepages.
:Function - Extension of the hip, also retraction of the limb and supports outward rotation.
Function - Extension of the hip, also retraction of the limb and supports outward rotation.
'''''Gluteofemoral Muscle'''''
'''''Gluteofemoral Muscle'''''
:This muscle only exists in the cat.
This muscle only exists in the cat.
:Function - Retraction and abduction of the limb and hip extension.
:Origin - 2nd-4th caudal vertebrae.
Function - Retraction and abduction of the limb and hip extension.
:Insertion - Lateral aspect of patella and fascia lata via an aponeurosis.
:Location - Between the superficial gluteal muscle and biceps muscle of the thigh.
Origin - 2nd-4th caudal vertebrae.
Insertion - Lateral aspect of patella and fascia lata via an aponeurosis.
Location - Between the superficial gluteal muscle and biceps muscle of the thigh.
'''''Middle Gluteal Muscle'''''
'''''Middle Gluteal Muscle'''''
:This muscle also shows great species variance, though all species have a superficial and deep portion that are separated by a tendinous sheet. Both tendons on their site of insertion are protected by a synovial bursa.
This muscle also shows great species variance, though all species have a superficial and deep portion that are seperated by a tendinous sheet. Both tendons on their site of insertion are protected by a synovial bursa.
:Function - most powerful extensor of the hip, also abducts and retracts the limb.
Function - most powerful extensor of the hip, also abducts and retracts the limb.
'''''Piriform Muscle'''''
'''''Piriform Muscle'''''
:This is fused to the middle gluteal muscle except in carnivores.
This is fused to the middle gluteal muscle except in carnivores.
:Function - Extensor of hip and abducter of the limb.
:Origin - last sacral vertebrae and sacrotuberous ligament.
Function - Extensor of hip and abducter of the limb.
:Insertion - just distal to the greater trochanter on the lateral aspect of the femur.
:Location - caudal and medial to the middle gluteal and is covered by the superficial gluteal.
Origin - last sacral vertebrae and sacrotuberous ligament.
Insertion - just distal to the greater trochanter on the lateral aspect of the femur.
Location - caudal and medial to the middle gluteal and is covered by the superficial gluteal.
'''Deep Gluteal Muscle'''
'''Deep Gluteal Muscle'''
:Function - abduction of the limb.
Function - abduction of the limb.
:Origin - lateral aspect of the ilial shaft.
:Insertion - via a short tendon to the greater trochanter.
Origin - lateral aspect of the ilial shaft.
Insertion - via a short tendon to the greater trochanter.
'''''Tensor Muscle of the Fascia Lata'''''
'''''Tensor Muscle of the Fascia Lata'''''
:This muscle shows great species variance.
This muscle shows great species variance.
:Function - flexion of the hip and extension of the stifle.
Function - flexion of the hip and extension of the stifle.
===='''The Hamstrings'''====
===='''The Hamstrings'''====
'''''Biceps Muscle of the thigh'''''
'''''Biceps Muscle of the thigh'''''
:The largest and most lateral of the muscles, it is superficial and covered only by fascia and skin. It consists of cranial part, arising from the sacrum and sacrotuberous ligament and a small caudal part arising from the ischium. The muscle is composed of multiple parts and has different points of insertion in different species.
The largest and most lateral of the muscles, it is superficial and covered only by fascia and skin. It consists of cranial part, arising from the sacrum and sacrotuberous ligament and a small caudal part arising from the ischium. The muscle is composed of multiple parts and has different points of insertion in different species.
:Function - Extension and abduction of the limb. The cranial part extends the hip and stifle, though the caudal part extends the hip but flexes the stifle. It also causes tarsal extension.
:See species pages as is very species specific.
Function - Extension and abduction of the limb. The cranial part extends the hip and stifle, though the caudal part extends the hip but flexes the stifle. It also causes tarsal extension.
See species pages as is very species specific.
'''''Abductor muscle of the thigh'''''
'''''Abductor muscle of the thigh'''''
:Only present in carnivores.
Only present in carnivores.
:Function - abduction of the limb.
:Origin - sacrotuberous ligament.
Function - abduction of the limb.
:Insertion - crural fascia.
Origin - sacrotuberous ligament.
Insertion - crural fascia.
'''''Semitendinous'''''
'''''Semitendinous'''''
:Function - extends the hip, stifle and tarsus when the foot makes contact with the ground, therefore propulsing the animal. On a non-weightbearing leg it flexes the stifle and rotates the leg back and out.
Function - extends the hip, stifle and tarsus when the foot makes contact with the ground, therefore propulsing the animal. On a non-weightbearing leg it flexes the stifle and rotates the leg back and out.
:Origin - the ischial tuberosity ('''pelvic head''').
:Insertion - cranial margin of the tibia and a tendinous insertion on the calcaneal tuberosity.
Origin - the ischial tuberosity ('''pelvic head''').
Insertion - cranial margin of the tibia and a tendinous insertion on the calcaneal tuberosity.
'''''Semimembranous'''''
'''''Semimembranous'''''
:The most medial of the hamstrings.
The most medial of the hamstrings.
:Function - Extension of the hip and stifle in a weightbearing stance. On a non-weightbearing limb, it adducts and retracts the limb.
:Origin - can be from either just the pelvic head or from the pelvic head and '''vertebral head'''. This is dependent on species.
Function - Extension of the hip and stifle in a weightbearing stance. On a non-weightbearing limb, it adducts and retracts the limb.
:Insertion - onto the medial condyle of the femur and the medial condyle of the tibia.
Origin - can be from either just the pelvic head or from the pelvic head and '''vertebral head'''. This is dependent on species.
Insertion - onto the medial condyle of the femur and the medial condyle of the tibia.
===='''Medial Muscles of the Thigh'''====
===='''Medial Muscles of the Thigh'''====
This muscle groups main functions are to adduct the limb and to prevent unwanted abduction. They lie between the pelvic floor and the medial aspect of the femur.
This muscle groups' main functions are to adduct the limb and to prevent unwanted abduction. They lie between the pelvic floor and the medial aspect of the femur.
'''''Sartorius'''''
'''''Sartorius'''''
:Function - flexion of the hip, advancement and abduction of the limb. It can also extend the hip via its attachments to the crural fascia and stifle fascia.
Function - flexion of the hip, advancement and abduction of the limb. It can also extend the hip via its attachments to the crural fascia and stifle fascia.
:Origin - Coxal tuberosity; ilial shaft or tendon of psoas minor.
:Insertion - Deep fascia of the leg.
Origin - Coxal tuberosity; ilial shaft or tendon of psoas minor.
:Location - superficially on the craniomedial border of the thigh as a strap like muscle.
Insertion - Deep fascia of the leg.
Location - superficially on the craniomedial border of the thigh as a strap like muscle.
'''''Gracilis'''''
'''''Gracilis'''''
:Function - adductor of the limb, extends the stifle.
Function - adductor of the limb, extends the stifle.
:Origin - from an aponeurosis of the pelvic symphysis, the insertional tendons of the straight muscle of the abdomen. A tendinous plate is formed between the two aponeurosi of the gracilis' on which the adductor muscles originate.
:Insertion - An aponeurotic insertion with the crural fascia that attaches to the tibial crest.
Origin - from an aponeurosis of the pelvic symphysis, the insertional tendons of the straight muscle of the abdomen. A tendinous plate is formed between the two aponeurosi of the gracilis' on which the adductor muscles originate.
:Location - broad muscular sheet on the caudal aspect of the medial part of the thigh.
Insertion - An aponeurotic insertion with the crural fascia that attaches to the tibial crest.
Location - broad muscular sheet on the caudal aspect of the medial part of the thigh.
'''''Pectineal Muscle'''''
'''''Pectineal Muscle'''''
:Function - flexor of the hip, adductor and supinator of the limb.
Function - flexor of the hip, adductor and supinator of the limb.
:Origin - iliopubic eminence of pelvic floor.
:Insertion - medial border of the femur.
Origin - iliopubic eminence of pelvic floor.
:Location - a fusiform muscle extending between the pecten of the pubis, the pelvic floor and the femur.
Insertion - medial border of the femur.
Location - a fusiform muscle extending between the pecten of the pubis, the pelvic floor and the femur.
'''''Adductor Muscles'''''
'''''Adductor Muscles'''''
:Function - adduction of the limb, can also retract the limb.
Function - adduction of the limb, can also retract the limb.
:Origin - the tendinous plate of the gracilis muscles.
:Insertion - medial aspect of the femur, fascia and ligaments of the medial aspect of the stifle.
Origin - the tendinous plate of the gracilis muscles.
Insertion - medial aspect of the femur, fascia and ligaments of the medial aspect of the stifle.
===='''Inner Pelvic Muscles'''====
===='''Inner Pelvic Muscles'''====
'''''Internal Obturator'''''
'''''Internal Obturator'''''
:Only exists in carnivores and horses.
Only exists in carnivores and horses.
:Function - extension of the hip and rotation of the femur laterally.
:Origin and insertion - are both dependent on species involved.
Function - extension of the hip and rotation of the femur laterally.
Origin and insertion - are both dependent on species involved.
'''''External Obturator'''''
'''''External Obturator'''''
:Function - supinator of the femur and adductor of the limb.
Function - supinator of the femur and adductor of the limb.
:Origin - the ventral pelvic surface close to the obturator foramen.
:Insertion - trochantic fossa.
Origin - the ventral pelvic surface close to the obturator foramen.
Insertion - trochantic fossa.
'''''Gemellus'''''
'''''Gemellus'''''
:Function - rotation of the limb laterally.
Function - rotation of the limb laterally.
:Origin - ischiatic spine.
:Insertion - unites partially with the internal obturator and so inserts on the trochantic fossa.
Origin - ischiatic spine.
Insertion - unites partially with the internal obturator and so inserts on the trochantic fossa.
'''''Quadrate Muscle'''''
'''''Quadrate Muscle'''''
:Function - extension of the hip and retraction of the limb.
Function - extension of the hip and retraction of the limb.
:Origin - ventral aspect of ischium.
:Insertion - trochantic fossa.
Origin - ventral aspect of ischium.
Insertion - trochantic fossa.
'''''Articular muscle of the hip joint'''''
'''''Articular muscle of the hip joint'''''
:Only in carnivores and horses.
Only in carnivores and horses.
:Function - causes tension of the joint capsule and thus helps prevent damage to the peri-articular structures.
:Origin - Hip joint capsule.
Function - causes tension of the joint capsule and thus helps prevent damage to the peri-articular structures.
Origin - Hip joint capsule.
===Muscles of the Stifle===
===Muscles of the Stifle===
'''''Quadriceps'''''
'''''Quadriceps'''''
:This muscle forms the main muscle bulk on the cranial aspect of the thigh, but is covered by the tensor muscle of the fascia lata, the sartorius and the medial femoral fascia. The quadriceps are the main extensors of the stifle and the straight muscle also flexes the hip. The muscle consists of four parts that have separate points of origin but have a common single tendon, the '''patella tendon''' that inserts onto the patella and '''tibial tuberosity'''.
This muscle forms the main muscle bulk on the cranial aspect of the thigh, but is covered by the tensor muscle of the fascia lata, the sartorius and the medial femoral fascia. The quadriceps are the main extensors of the stifle and the straight muscle also flexes the hip. The muscle consists of four parts that have seperate points of origin but have a common single tendon, the '''patella tendon''' that inserts onto the patella and '''tibial tuberosity'''.
The four parts are:
The four parts are:
:# '''Lateral Vastus''' - On the craniolateral side of the femur, originating from the lateral aspect of the proximal femur.
:# '''Medial Vastus''' - On the craniomedial side of the femur, originating from the medial aspect of the proxial femur.
:# '''Intermediate Vastus''' - On the cranial surface of the femur, it is totally covered by the other quadriceps muscles and is the weakest muscle of the quadriceps.
:# '''Straight muscle/Rectus femoris''' - Originates from the ilial shaft cranial to the acetabulum and runs down to the patella tendon between the two bellies of the lateral and medial vastus.
'''''Popliteal'''''
'''''Popliteal'''''
:Function - flexor of the stifle and pronator of the leg.
Function - flexor of the stifle and pronator of the leg.
:Origin - a tendinous origin from the lateral condyle of the femur.
:Insertion - a broad tendon on the medial and caudal surface of the proximal tibia.
Origin - a tendinous origin from the lateral condyle of the femur.
:Location - On the caudal aspect of the stifle and runs under the lateral collateral ligament before it inserts.
Insertion -a broad tendon on the medial and caudal surface of the proximal tibia.
Location - On the caudal aspect of the stifle and runs under the lateral collateral ligament before it inserts.
==Vasculature of the Hindlimb==
==Vasculature of the Hindlimb==