cat anterior musculature

cutaneous maximus

thin layer of muscle under the skin

lumbodorsal fascia

layer of connective tissue that wraps around muscles

pectoralis major

thick band of muscle, adducts humerus towards midline. originates from cranial half of sternum. inserted at proximal two-thirds of shaft of humerus.

pectoralis minor

thick band of muscle, draws forelimb towards midline. originates from sternebrae and xiphoid process. inserted at ventral border of humerus.

external abdominal oblique

most superficial abdominal muscle, compresses abdominal region. originates from lumbodorsal fascia and ribs. inserted from sternum to pubis and linea alba.

internal abdominal oblique

abdominal muscle directly underneath external oblique, compresses abdominal region. originates from lumbodorsal fascia. inserted at linea alba with external oblique and transversus abdominis.

transversus abdominis

deepest muscle sheet, directly under internal oblique. compresses abdomen. originates from posterior rib cartilage, transverse process of lumbar vertebrae, and ventral border of ilium. inserted at linea alba with external and internal obliques.

rectus abdominis

longitudinal band on either side of linea alba. compresses abdomen, pulls sternum and ribs caudally, and causes flexion of trunk. originates from pubis. inserted at cartilage of sternum.

sternomastoid

paired band-like muscle. causes flexion of the head to turn it. originates from cranial end of manubrium. inserted at temporal bone.

sternohyoid

slender band-like muscle along sides of midventral line of the neck. retracts the hyoid. originates from first costal cartilage. inserted at hyoid bone.

geniohyoid

narrow elongated muscle. protracts the hyoid. originates from ventral surface of mandible. inserted at body of hyoid.

hyoglossus

rhomboidal muscle lateral to the geniohyoid. retracts and depresses the tongue. originates from body of hyoid. inserted at tongue.

masseter

heavy muscle beneath and posterior to the eye, making up the cheek. elevates the mandible. originates from zygomatic arch. inserted at masseteric fossa and adjacent mandible.

temporalis

muscle occupying the temporal fossa. elevates the mandible. originates from temporal bone and zygomatic arch. inserted at coronoid process of mandible.

digastric

thick muscle on medial ventral border of mandible. depresses the mandible. originates from mastoid and jugular processes. inserted at medial ventral border of mandible.

linea alba

white line of connective tissue extending down midline of belly