Limb Muscles - Horse Anatomy

Thoracic Limb

Extrinsic Musculature

These muscles are responsible for joining the forelimb to the trunk, forming a synsarcosis rather than a conventional joint. Collectively, they act to transfer the weight of the body to the forelimbs, as well as to stabilize the scapula.

Trapezius:

Innervatation: Accessory n.

Origin: Mid-dorsal raphe and supraspinous ligament

Insertion: Spine of the scapula

Body: Two parts, cervical and thoracic, separated by aponeurosis

Action: Raises the scapula against the trunk and swings cranially to advance the limb

Brachiocephalic m.:

Innervation: Accessory n.

Two parts separated by the clavicle, where it exists

Origin: Mastoid process of temporal bone, nuchal crest, wing of atlas and the transverse processes of the 2nd-4th cervical vertebrae

Insertion: Deltoid tuberosity and crest of the humerus

Action: Advances the limb and extends the shoulder joint when limb is in motion. Draws the head and neck ventrally when the limb is fixed

Latissimus dorsi:

Innervation: local branch of brachial plexus

The broadest muscle of the back

Origin: Thoracolumbar fascia

Insertion: Teres tuberosity of the humerus

Action: Antagonist to the brachiocephalic m. It retracts the free limb and flexes shoulder joint. It also draws the trunk forward over the fixed limb.

Pectoral mm.:

Innervation: brachial plexus

Two superficial parts, cranial and caudal

Origin: Cranial sternum

Insertion:

Cranial (descending) - The crest of the humerus, distal to the deltoid tuberosity

Caudal (transverse) - Covers the elbow joint to insert on the medial fascia of the forearm

Action: Adducts the forelimb, assist in protraction and retraction

Serratis ventralis:

Innervation: branch of brachial plexus

Origin: C4 to 10th rib

Insertion: Medial scapula and scapular cartilage

Action: Supports the weight of the trunk. It is reinforced by strong fascia. The cervical portion can retract the limb and the caudal portion can advance the limb.

Rhomboids:

Innervation: brachial plexus, although in some species, dorsal spinal nerves can innervate

Origin: Median connective tissue from poll to withers, lying deep to the trapezius

Insertion: Dorsal border and adjacent scapula

Action: Retracts the limb, may also raise limb