Gross Veterinary Anatomy – Canine Thoracic Limb & Foundational Concepts

These Question-and-Answer flashcards review key taxonomic facts, anatomical terminology, skeletal structure, joint types, major muscles, innervation, blood supply, and palpable landmarks of the dog’s thoracic limb and related foundational concepts.

What Greek word is the term “anatomy” derived from and what does it mean?

From Greek “anatemnein,” meaning “to cut apart” or dissect.

Which two complementary sciences describe the body’s structure and function?

Anatomy (structure) and Physiology (function).

Name the four standard anatomic planes of reference.

Median (midsagittal), Sagittal, Transverse, Dorsal (frontal).

Define ‘proximal’ and ‘distal’ when applied to a limb.

Proximal – nearer the body/trunk; Distal – farther from the body/trunk.

What is the scientific (taxonomic) name for the domestic dog?

Canis lupus familiaris (subspecies of Canis lupus).

List the complete taxonomic classification of the dog from kingdom to subspecies.

Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Canidae, Genus Canis, Species C. lupus, Subspecies C. l. familiaris / C. l. dingo.

Which body system consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments and joints?

Skeletal system.

Give two main metabolic functions of bone tissue besides support and protection.

Calcium/phosphate storage and haemopoiesis (blood cell production).

What type of bone development replaces a hyaline cartilage model?

Endochondral ossification.

Name the three joint classifications based on tissue type binding the bones.

Fibrous (synarthrosis), Cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis), Synovial (diarthrosis).

Which two synovial joint structures produce and contain lubricating fluid?

Synovial membrane (produces) and joint cavity (contains synovial fluid).

What ligament bridges the intertubercular groove to hold the biceps tendon in the canine shoulder?

Transverse humeral ligament.

Which muscle forms the major ‘sling’ supporting the dog’s trunk between the forelimbs?

Serratus ventralis (cervical & thoracic parts).

Identify the four heads of the canine triceps brachii.

Long, Lateral, Medial, Accessory heads.

Primary action of the triceps brachii?

Extension of the elbow joint.

Origin and insertion of the biceps brachii in the dog.

Origin – supraglenoid tubercle of scapula; Insertion – radial & ulnar tuberosities.

Which artery is the direct continuation of the subclavian into the limb after crossing the first rib?

Axillary artery.

Name two main terminal branches of the subscapular artery.

Thoracodorsal artery and Caudal circumflex humeral artery.

Which nerve innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles?

Suprascapular nerve.

Damage to which nerve can cause dropped elbow and inability to extend the carpus/digits?

Radial nerve.

What are the principal extensors of the canine carpus?

Extensor carpi radialis (largest), Common digital extensor, Lateral digital extensor.

Which muscle is the only flexor arising from the lateral epicondyle and also abducts the carpus?

Ulnaris lateralis (extensor carpi ulnaris in other species).

List the superficial pectoral muscles and their primary action.

Descending & Transverse pectorals; action – adduct limb or prevent abduction when weight-bearing.

Where is the olecranon fossa located and what fits into it during elbow extension?

Caudal distal humerus; receives the anconeal process of ulna.

Define ‘sesamoid bone’ and give a canine example.

Bone embedded within a tendon near a joint; examples – patella, proximal sesamoids at metacarpophalangeal joints.

What is the function of dorsal elastic ligaments at the distal interphalangeal joints in dogs?

Aid passive retraction (semiretraction) of the claws.

Explain ‘muscle tone’ (tonus).

Minimal constant tension in resting muscle maintained by reflex activity of muscle spindles.

Which antebrachial muscle is responsible for supination of the canine paw?

Supinator muscle (radial nerve).

Name the three heads of origin of the deep digital flexor.

Humeral head, Ulnar head, Radial head.

Which dorsal carpal thickening secures extensor tendons?

Extensor retinaculum.

Define ‘amphiarthrosis’ and give a canine example.

Slightly movable cartilaginous joint; e.g., pelvic symphysis or intervertebral disc.

Which muscles form the lateral shoulder (scapulohumeral) group in the dog?

Deltoideus, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor.

Major action of the deltoideus muscle?

Flexion of the shoulder joint.

Which muscle’s tendon passes through the shoulder’s intertubercular groove?

Biceps brachii tendon.

Primary arterial supply to the deep pectoral and mammary glands?

Lateral thoracic artery.

Name the carpal bone that projects palmar-laterally forming the ‘point’ of the canine wrist.

Accessory carpal bone.

Which structure carries neurovascular bundles from trunk to limb in the axilla?

Brachial plexus (nerves) and axillary artery/vein.

Function of synovial bursae beneath tendons.

Reduce pressure/friction where tendon glides over bone.

Which intrinsic muscle is a key medial stabilizer (ligament) of the shoulder?

Subscapularis muscle.

What is the anatomical ‘dewclaw’ in dogs?

Digit I with rudimentary metacarpal I and phalanges, usually non–weight-bearing.

Describe the location of the brachial artery transition into the median artery.

At the proximal antebrachium (just distal to the elbow) the brachial artery becomes the median artery.

Which nerve innervates the deep and superficial digital flexor muscles?

Median nerve (also partly ulnar for DDF).

Main cutaneous (sensory) branches of the radial nerve in the forearm?

Lateral cutaneous antebrachial nerve and dorsal common digital branches.

What palpable landmark marks the distal end of the scapular spine?

Acromion.

Name two palpable prominences on the proximal humerus.

Greater tubercle (lateral) and lesser tubercle (medial).

Which vessel is commonly used for canine cephalic venipuncture?

Cephalic vein along the cranial–medial antebrachium.

Define ‘sagittal plane’.

Any plane parallel to the median plane dividing body into unequal right/left portions.

What is the function of the lumbrical muscles in the canine manus?

Flex metacarpophalangeal joints and assist digit positioning.

Which muscle originates on the coracoid process and aids shoulder adduction/extension?

Coracobrachialis (musculocutaneous nerve).

Describe the clinical importance of the supratrochlear foramen in the dog.

Radiographic landmark; no structure passes through—present in distal humerus between olecranon & radial fossae.

Which artery supplies most of the latissimus dorsi muscle?

Thoracodorsal artery (branch of subscapular).

Primary action of the pronator teres muscle.

Pronation of the forearm (medial rotation of radius) and weak elbow flexion.

List three functions of canine skin (integument) besides protection.

Sensory reception, thermoregulation, synthesis of Vitamin D, storage of fat, secretion of sebum/pheromones.