Small Animal Distal Limb

Medial Epicondyle of Humerus

place on the humerus where all the flexors of the carpus and digits attach on or near

Lateral Epicondyle of Humerus

place on humerus where all of the extensors of the carpus and digits attach on or near

Palmar Carpal Ligament

prevents hyperextension of the carpus while weight bearing

Flexor Retinaculum of the Carpus

attaches from the accessory carpal bone laterally to medially attach to the radial styloid process, ensures the extensor tendons are kept close to the carpus

Ungual Crest

bony ridge of PIII above the ungual process

Ungual Process

tapered, cone-shaped process covered by horny claw on PIII

Ungual Fold

skin located at the base of the toe, overlap and protects root of the claw

Periople

outer, thin, shiny layer of the hoof/claw (aka cuticle)

Extensor Carpi Radialis

largest and most lateral extensor muscle, inserts on metacarpal tuberosity, extends the carpus and flexes the elbow

Ulnaris Lateralis

aka extensor carpi ulnaris, most caudal and medial extensor, inserts on proximal part of metacarpal bone and accessory carpal bone, can both flex and extend the carpus

Common Digital Extensor

long muscle inserting on the extensor process of PIII, extends the digits and carpus

Lateral Digital Extensor

long muscle extending from the lateral epicondyle, inserts on the phalanges of the lateral digits, extends the digits and the carpus

Flexor Carpi Radialis

most medial flexor muscle, extends to the proximal metacarpal bone, flexes carpus

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

2-headed muscle inserting on the accessory carpal bone, flexes the carpus

Superficial Digital Flexor

arises from medial epicondyle, inserts on the middle phalanx, flexes carpus and digits, splits into two at the manica flexoria to allow the deep digital flexor to reach the distal phalanx

Deep Digital Flexor

3-headed muscle arising from the humerus, radius, and ulna, inserts on the distal phalanx after passing through the superficial digital flexor tendons at the manica flexoria, flexes the carpus and digits

Radial Nerve

innervates the extensors of the elbow, carpus, and digits, passes around the caudal humerus to lateral side, also sensory nerve for the dorsal manus

Median and Ulnar Nerves

supplies motor function to the flexors of the carpus and digits, also provides sensory information from the caudal forearm and palmar manus

Dorsal Elastic Ligaments

only appear in carnivores, ligaments extend on lateral and medial sides of the distal interphalangeal joints, keeps the claw retracted

Carpal Whiskers

specialized sensory hairs on back of the front legs just above the carpus and paw