Reconstruction of the pectoral girdle and forelimb musculature of Megaraptora (Dinosauria: Theropoda).

Megaraptora is a group of enigmatic, carnivorous non-avian theropod dinosaurs from the Cretaceous of Asia, Australia, and especially South America. Perhaps the most striking aspect of megaraptoran morphology is the large, robustly constructed forelimb that, in derived members of the clade, terminates in a greatly enlarged manus with hypertrophied, raptorial unguals on the medialmost two digits and a substantially smaller ungual on digit III. The unique forelimb anatomy of megaraptorans was presumably associated with distinctive functional specializations; nevertheless, its paleobiological significance has not been extensively explored. Here we draw from observations of the pectoral girdle and forelimb skeletons of Megaraptora and myological assessments of other archosaurian taxa to provide a comprehensive reconstruction of the musculature of this anatomical region in these singular theropods. Many muscle attachment sites on megaraptoran forelimb bones are remarkably well developed, which in turn suggests that the muscles themselves were functionally significant and important to the paleobiology of these theropods. Furthermore, many of these attachments became increasingly pronounced through megaraptoran evolutionary history, being substantially better developed in derived taxa such as Australovenator wintonensis and especially Megaraptor namunhuaiquii than in early branching forms such as Fukuiraptor kitadaniensis. When considered alongside previous range of motion hypotheses for Australovenator, our results indicate that megaraptorans possessed a morphologically and functionally specialized forelimb that was capable of complex movements. Notable among these were extensive extension and flexion, particularly in the highly derived manus, as well as enhanced humeral protraction, attributes that very probably aided in prey capture.

Evolutionary history or function? Which preponderates in the expression of the muscle mass of the thoracic limb in wild carnivorans?

Thoracic limbs are extremely versatile and exhibit informative characteristics about habits of the Carnivora order in the wild. Despite this relevance, comparative studies with quantitative variables on thoracic limb muscles are still scarce in carnivorans. The aims of this study were to measure the mass of the intrinsic muscles of the thoracic limb of neotropical species of the Carnivora order and to establish comparative conjectures. For this purpose, 39 thoracic limbs of 10 neotropical carnivorans species were dissected. The mass of each muscle was measured on a digital scale, muscles were grouped by function, and the mass average percentage that each functional group of muscles occupied in the thoracic limb was calculated. The data of the present study was added to that available in the literature for 22 other carnivoran species. Three groups of species were considered: Canidae, Musteloidea, and Feliformia. Comparatively, the eight canid species included in this analyses concentrate muscle mass proximally in the thoracic limb to prioritize essential cursoriality. The nine musteloids had more muscle mass in the distal muscles due to the demand for versatility and manual strength, and the 14 Feliformia species exhibited an intermediate trend. The analysis of clusters revealed a great overlap of the percentage distribution of muscle mass with the phylogeny previously established for carnivorans. It could be verified that the distribution of muscle masses meets the demand of the locomotor habits of the species up to a certain level, from which phylogeny begins to limit morphological adaptations.

Os membros torácicos são extremamente versáteis e exibem características informativas sobre os hábitos das espécies da ordem Carnivora em vida livre. A despeito desta relevência, estudos comparativos com variéveis quantitativas dos músculos do membro torácico são escassos em carnívoros. Os objetivos deste estudo foram aferir a massa dos músculos intrínsecos do membro torácico de espécies neotropicais da ordem Carnivora e estabelecer conjecturas comparativas. Para este fim, foram dissecados 39 membros torácicos de dez espécies de carnívoros neotropicais. A massa de cada músculo foi mensurada em uma balança digital, os músculos foram agrupados por função e calculou-se a massa percentual média a que cada grupo funcional de músculos correspondia no membro torácico. Os dados do presente estudo foram analisados conjuntamente às informações disponíveis na literatura para outras 22 espécies da ordem Carnivora. Três grupos de espécies foram considerados: Canidae, Musteloidea e Feliformia. Comparativamente, as oito espécies de canídeos incluídas nesta análise demonstraram concentração de massa muscular mais proximalmente no membro torácico em razão dos hábitos essencialmente cursoriais. As nove espécies da superfamília Musteloidea exibiram mais massa nos músculos distais devido à maior demanda por versatilidade e força manual. As 14 espécies da subordem Feliformia apresentaram um padrão intermediário. A análise de clusters revelou nítida sobreposição entre o percentual de distribuição da massa muscular com a filogenia previamente estabelecida para a ordem Carnivora. Verificou-se que a distribuição da massa dos músculos atende à demanda dos hábitos locomotores das espécies até um certo nível, a partir do qual a filogenia começa a limitar as adaptações morfológicas.

Evaluación de medidas morfométricas de tendones y ligamentos metacarpales palmares por ultrasonografía en caballos criollos colombianos / Evaluation of morphometric measures of tendons and metacarpal ligaments by ultrasonography in Colombian creole horses

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar los parámetros morfométricos ultrasonográficos de los tendones y ligamentos metacarpales palmares de caballos criollos colombianos clínicamente sanos. Materiales y métodos. Treinta caballos criollos colombianos clínicamente sanos de 6.4 ± 2.5 años se evaluaron en diferentes zonas del departamento de Córdoba (Colombia). Se midieron las variables área transversal (cm2), ancho latero medial (ALM) (cm) y espesor dorso palmar (EDP) (cm) en las estructuras de la región metacarpiana en los dos miembros anteriores mediante ultrasonografía. Resultados. La ecografía reveló que el área transversal del ligamento suspensorio fue la estructura de mayor área en las regiones proximales (1A, 1B y 2A), tanto para la extremidad izquierda como para la derecha. Por otro lado, no hubo una diferencia significativa (p>0.05) entre la extremidad izquierda y derecha para las mediciones de las estructuras en cualquier zona, y no hubo una diferencia significativa entre los grupos de edades e índice de masa corporal (IMC) de los caballos. Conclusiones. Se obtuvieron valores de referencia para los tendones y ligamentos en la región metacarpiana palmar en equinos proporcionando una guía de referencia cuando se sospechan condiciones patológicas metacarpo en equinos.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the ultrasonographic morphometric parameters of the palmar metacarpal tendons and ligaments of clinically healthy Colombian creole horses. Materials and methods. Thirty clinically healthy Colombian creole horses of 6.4 ± 2.5 years were evaluated in different areas of the department of Córdoba (Colombia). The variables cross-sectional area (cm2), medial lateral width (ALM) (cm) and dorsal palmar thickness (EDP) (cm) in the structures of the metacarpal region in the two anterior members were measured by means of ultrasound. Results. Ultrasonography revealed that the transverse area of the suspensory ligament was the structure with the largest area in the proximal regions (1A, 1B and 2A), for both the left and right limbs. On the other hand, there was no significant difference (P> 0.05) between left and right limb for measurements of structures in any area, and there was no significant difference between age groups and body mass index (BMI) of horses. Conclusions. Reference values for tendons and ligaments in the palmar metacarpal region were obtained in equines providing a reference guide when metacarpal pathological conditions in equines are suspected.

RADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF THE FORELIMB IN THE NORTHERN TAMANDUA (TAMANDUA MEXICANA).

The thoracic limb anatomy of anteaters in the family Myrmecophagidae is specialized for accessing termite and ant nests and for defense purposes. In the case of the northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana), the forelimbs are also adapted for arboreal and terrestrial locomotion. Unfortunately, this species faces many conservation threats, such as habitat loss and traffic accidents, and injured individuals are frequently taken to wildlife rehabilitation centers. However, lack of knowledge of the radiographic osteoanatomy of this species may prevent appropriate management of injuries and thereby reduce the chances of successful release and survival. In order to fill this knowledge gap, this article describes for the first time the radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the northern tamandua using four standard views and one additional view. The additional orthogonal view helps visualize structures, such as the hamatus process and the sesamoid bone, that are otherwise difficult to visualize due to the natural forearm position of anteaters. Additionally, some fractures and physeal growth plates were identified in one juvenile individual. Further radiographic investigations should be conducted on anteaters to provide more tools for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of these animals.

Wing and tail myology of Tyto furcata (Aves, Tytonidae).

Barn Owls (Tytonidae) are nocturnal raptors with the largest geographical distribution among Strigiformes. Several osteological, morphometrical, and biomechanical studies of this species were performed by previous authors. Nevertheless, the myology of forelimb and tail of the Barn Owls is virtually unknown. This study is the first detailed myological study performed on the wing and tail of the American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata). A total of 11 specimens were dissected and their morphology and muscle masses were described. Although T. furcata has the wing and tail myological pattern present in other species of Strigiformes, some peculiarities were observed including a difference in the attachment of m. pectoralis propatagialis due to the lack of the os prominence, and the presence of an osseous arch in the radius that seems to widen the anchorage area of the mm. pronator profundus, extensor longus alulae, and extensor longus digiti majoris. Furthermore, the m. biceps brachii has an unusual extra belly that flexes the forearm. The interosseous muscles have a small size and lacks ossified tendons. This feature may be indicative of a lower specialization in the elevation and flexion of the digiti majoris. Forelimb and tail muscle mass account for 10.66 and 0.24% of the total body mass, respectively. Forelimb muscle mass value is similar to the nocturnal (Strigiformes) and diurnal (Falconidae and Accipitridae) raptors, while the tail value is lower than in the diurnal raptors (Falconidae and Accipitridae). The myological differences with other birds of prey are here interpreted in association with their "parachuting" hunting style. This work complements our knowledge of the axial musculature of the American Barn owls, and provides important information for future studies related to functional morphology and ecomorphology.

Functional morphology and identity of the thenar pad in the subterranean genus Ctenomys (Rodentia, Caviomorpha).

As in many other fossorial tetrapods, the most obvious adaptations to scratch-digging in the subterranean tuco-tuco (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae, Ctenomys) are found in the hands, which among other adaptations, present the mesaxonic condition; i.e. the central digits are more developed, and also their claws, which are curved and elongated. The thumb is atrophied and aligned with the rest of the digits, showing a small and flat claw. This configuration of digits and claws seems to be in accordance with what it is expected for rodents: rudimentary movements when handling food items. However, on the palmar side of the hand, tuco-tucos have several pads, the thenar (located under the thumb) being the most developed. In this study, we investigated the functional morphology of the thenar pad through different approaches: musculoskeletal anatomy, histology and functionality. The analysis of radiographs and clarified and double-stained hand samples of Ctenomys talarum and C. australis showed that the thenar pad is supported by a paddle-shaped bone that articulates with a protrusion in the scapholunate bone. This bone, flat and long, continues in a flat cartilaginous structure, with a shape similar to a claw. Dissections showed that the thenar pad has several associated muscles: the m. palmaris longus, the m. abductor pollicis longus, and a massive muscular complex located between the thumb and the thenar pad. By topology it might be inferred that this complex is formed by the m. abductor pollicis brevis, the m. flexor pollicis brevis and the m. adductor pollicis brevis. Longitudinal histological sections of the thenar pad stained with hematoxylin-eosin showed a thick layer of keratin at the distal end, external face. The observation of live specimens of C. talarum foraging on two food items of different size and filmed at 300 fps showed that the thenar pad acts as an opposable thumb, with digit-like movements. Tuco-tucos are able to perform more precise movements than expected, and to grasp and manipulate the food with one hand. In previous studies, it was suggested that the thenar pad was supported by a 'palmar ossicle', or 'prepollex' (= radial sesamoid bone). Our results suggest that this sesamoid underwent a radical change on its morphology, making the thenar pad a part of the food handling system in Ctenomys, so the thenar pad might be considered a 'false thumb', rather than a palmar pad. It is suggested to advance on the description and functional analysis of the thenar pad, redefining the structure, since the terms used so far to define it would not be accurate.

Gross anatomical adaptations of the craniolateral forearm muscles in Tamandua mexicana (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae): development of accessory muscles and rete mirabile for its arterial supply.

The northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) is a xenarthran mammal with a distribution from Mexico to Peru. This species arrives to wildlife care centres due to illegal trafficking and attacks by domestic dogs, both of which are situations where the northern tamandua's thoracic limbs (forelimbs) can be affected. As such, it is necessary to have anatomical studies that allow us to perform better medical and surgical procedures. Among these, studies about the musculoskeletal system also aid in the muscular reconstructions of extinct species. The aim of this study was to characterize the craniolateral muscles of the forearm in Tamandua mexicana and compare them with other Xenarthrans to determine their gross adaptations. Six dead specimens were used, and none were sacrificed for the purpose of this investigation. In five specimens, arterial repletion was done. Four were fixed with 10% formaldehyde and 5% glycerin, and two were dissected in fresh. All were dissected in the Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory of the Universidad del Tolima. The weights of the muscles from seven forearms were taken and divided in three functional groups for comparison with non-parametric statistics. Two muscular groups were found: one superficial formed by the brachioradialis, brachioradialis accesorius, extensor carpi radialis, extensor digitorum communis, extensor digitorum lateralis and extensor carpi ulnaris; and one deep muscular group formed by the supinator, extensor digiti III et IV, abductor digiti I longus, and extensor digiti I et II. They were supplied by different branches of the cranial interosseous, transverse cubital and superficial brachial arteries, which had the shape of rete mirabile; and all muscles were innervated by the deep branch of the radial nerve. The presence of the brachioradialis accesorius muscle in this species allows its hand to remain in semi-supination when it is mobilized in a quadrupedal manner. It must also support elbow flexion together with the action of the brachioradialis and the extensor carpi radialis muscles. All the antebrachial digital muscles sent tendons for the digit III making it the most functional for different grip activities such as climbing trees and searching for its food, however, the most strength was directed to supination and carpal extension, and therefore also to the flexion of the elbow.

Functional myology of the thoracic limb in Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus): a descriptive and comparative analysis.

The characteristics of the muscles of the thoracic limb were evaluated in 22 specimens of Lycalopex gymnocercus. Descriptive and comparative analyses showed similarity with other canids in terms of topography and tendon insertions. Differences with the domestic dog were observed in the pectoralis profundus, triceps brachii and interflexorii muscles. Intraspecific variations were observed in the rhomboideus capitis, serratus ventralis cervicis, extensor carpi radialis, extensor digiti I and II, lumbricales, flexor digiti I brevis, abductor digiti I brevis, and flexor digiti V muscles. The analyses of muscle architecture carried out in nine specimens showed that there was no difference in muscle percentage mass in the thoracic limb of males and females, but a young specimen showed significant lower percentage mass. The triceps brachii caput longus muscle showed the greatest mass, the subscapularis muscle showed the greatest physiological cross-sectional area value, and the extrinsic muscles, in general, presented the longest fascicles and higher architectural indexes. Muscle architecture data were compatible with those of a thoracic limb adapted to fast cursorial locomotion that prioritizes movements in a sagittal plane instead of rotation or adduction/abduction. There was a high association between functional percentage mass of the muscles in the thoracic limb and phylogeny in the Carnivora order. It may be inferred that carnivoran muscle mass is largely determined by phylogeny.

Origins of plexus brachial in Iguana iguana iguana / Origens do plexo braquial da Iguana iguana iguana

This paper aims to describe the origin of the brachial plexus of 12 iguanas, male and female, which were donated already dead by the Wild Animal Screening Center and Independent Company of Highway and Environmental Police of the Araguaína, Tocantins State, to Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory of Federal University of Tocantins, Araguaína campus These animals were fixed by intramuscular injections of aqueous 10% formalin. It was made a parallel incision to dorsal midline from the skull to the caudal ribs. It was pulled all the epiaxial muscles eight ribs, the periosteum, exposing and individualizing the ventral rami of spinal nerves that make up the brachial plexus. The ventral rami of spinal nerves C6, C7, C8, T1 and T2 form the brachial plexus in 12 iguanas. In 41.6% of cases, the branches involved were C6, C7, C8 and T1; in 33.4%, the branches C6, C7, C8, T1 and T2; 16.6% the branches C7, C8, T1 and T2 and in 8.4%, the branches C7, C8 and T1. The branches ventral C7, C8 and T1 formed three trunks and C6 and T2, when present, consisted of nervous fillet. There was variation in number of vertebrae in Iguana iguana iguana which caused oscillations in anastomoses, that constitute the nerves of brachial plexus. The axillary, subscapular, cutaneous, pectoral, coracobrachialis, radial, median, ulnar, thoracodorsal nerves are the main nerves that constitute the brachial plexus in iguanas.

Esse trabalho tem como objetivo descrever a origem do plexo braquial de 12 iguanas, machos e fêmeas, doados mortos pelo Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres e Companhia Independente de Polícia Rodoviária e Ambiental ­ Araguaína ­ Tocantins, ao Laboratório de Anatomia da Universidade Federal do Tocantins, campus de Araguaína. Fixou-se os animais com injeções intramusculares de solução aquosa de formalina a 10%. Realizou-se uma incisão paralela a linha mediana dorsal desde o crânio até a região caudal das costelas. Retirou toda a musculatura epiaxial, oito costelas, o periósteo, expondo e individualizando os ramos ventrais dos nervos espinhais que compõem o plexo braquial. Os ramos ventrais dos nervos espinhais C6, C7, C8, T1 e T2 formam o plexo braquial nas 12 iguanas. Em 41,6% dos casos, os ramos envolvidos foram C6, C7, C8 e T1; em 33,4%, os ramos C6, C7, C8, T1 e T2; em 16,6 % os ramos C7, C8, T1 e T2 e em 8,4%, os ramos C7, C8 e T1. Dos ramos ventrais C7, C8 e T1 formavam três troncos e C6 e T2, quando presentes, consistiam de filetes nervosos. Houve variação no número de vértebras na Iguana iguana iguana, que provocaram oscilações nas anastomoses que constituem os nervos do plexo braquial nas iguanas. Os nervos axillar, subscapular, cutâneo, peitoral, coracobraquial, radial, mediano, ulnar e toracodorsal são os principais nervos que constituem o plexo braquial nas iguanas.

Brachial Plexus in the Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus): a Descriptive and Comparative Analysis.

Twenty thoracic limbs of ten Lycalopex gymnocercus were dissected to describe origin and distribution of the nerves forming brachial plexuses. The brachial plexus resulted from the connections between the ventral branches of the last three cervical nerves (C6, C7, and C8) and first thoracic nerve (T1). These branches connected the suprascapular, subscapular, axillary, musculocutaneous, radial, median and ulnar nerves to the intrinsic musculature and connected the brachiocephalic, thoracodorsal, lateral thoracic, long thoracic, cranial pectoral and caudal pectoral nerves to the extrinsic musculature. The C7 ventral branches contribute most to the formation of the nerves (62.7%), followed by C8 (58.8%), T1 (40.0%) and C6 (24.6%). Of the 260 nerves dissected, 69.2% resulted from a combination of two or three branches, while only 30.8% originated from a single branch. The origin and innervation area of the pampas fox brachial plexus, in comparison with other domestic and wild species, were most similar to the domestic dog and wild canids from the neotropics. The results of this study can serve as a base for comparative morphofunctional analysis involving this species and development of nerve block techniques. Anat Rec, 300:537-548, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Postnatal variation of limb bones in the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica / Variación postnatal de huesos de los miembros en la codorniz japonesa, Coturnix coturnix japonica

Changes in body size over ontogeny may influence the ontogenetic development of long bones, and thus important to our understanding of variation in morphological, physiological, and life-history traits within species. In this study, we sample the entire measurements of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of individual skeletons, to investigate the ontogenetic allometry of limb bone proportions by Reduced Major Axis (RMA) regression. The ulna and humerus were both positively allometric in relation to body mass, with their proximal ends growth more rapidly than other regions. Hindlimb bones exhibited more than one allometric pattern. The tarsometatarsus was negative; the femur presented positive allometry, with the width and depth of the proximal end scaled more strongly; measurements of the tibiotarsus were dominated by more rapid growth, especially the width of the proximal end. The growth patterns are suggested to be correlated with the ontogeny of behavior, and reflect the muscular requirements for different mode of locomotion.

Los cambios en el tamaño corporal sobre la ontogenia pueden influir en el desarrollo ontogenético de los huesos largos, y por lo tanto es importante conocer la variación en sus rasgos morfológicos, fisiológicos y la historia de vida dentro de las especies. En este estudio, se muestran las mediciones completas de esqueletos individuales de codorniz japonesa (Coturnix coturnix japonica), para investigar la alometría ontogenética de las proporciones de los huesos de los miembros mediante la regresión del Eje Mayor Reducido (RMA). La ulna y el húmero fueron ambos positivos alométricamente en relación a la masa corporal, con un crecimiento más ligero de sus extremos proximales que de otras regiones. Los huesos de los miembros posteriores mostraron más de un patrón alométrico. El tarsometatarsus fue negativo; el fémur presentó alometría positiva, con un ancho y profundidad del extremo proximal importantes. Las mediciones del tibiotarso presentaron un crecimiento más rápido, sobre todo la anchura del extremo proximal. Los patrones de crecimiento sugieren estar correlacionados con la ontogenia de la conducta, y reflejan los requisitos musculares para un modo de locomoción diferente.

Estudo da irrigação arterial do membro torácico de suindara (Tyto alba) / Irrigation study of blood of thoracic member barn owl (Tyto alba)

Neste trabalho, estudamos a ramificação arterial do membro torácico em uma espécie de rapinante, popularmente conhecido como coruja-de-igreja (Tyto alba). Os sistemas arteriais foram evidenciados pela injetados com látex neoprene, em seguida, foram fixados em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 10%. Os resultados obtidos possibilitaram-nos as seguintes conclusões: a artéria axilar emerge próximo ao plexo braquial, divide-se em artéria braquial e braquial profunda, irrigando musculatura do braço. Esta dividida em artérias radial e ulnar próximo a articulação úmero-radio-ulnar suprindo esta, musculatura do antebraço, a artéria radial segue como artéria metacárpica ventral envia ramos a articulação cárpica, polegar, digito principal e penas.

We studied the arterial branch of the forelimb in a kind of predator, popularly known as owl-of-church (Tyto alba). The arterial systems were evidenced by injected with neoprene latex, then they were fixed in 10% aqueous solution of formaldehyde. The results allowed us the following conclusions: the axillary artery emerges near the brachial plexus is divided into deep brachial and brachial artery, irrigating muscles of the arm. Is divided into radial and ulnar arteries near the humerus-radio-ulnar joint supplying this, forearm muscles, the radial artery as follows ventral metacarpal artery sends branches carpal joint, thumb, type main and feathers.

Estudo da irrigação arterial do membro torácico de suindara (Tyto alba) / Irrigation study of blood of thoracic member barn owl (Tyto alba)

Neste trabalho, estudamos a ramificação arterial do membro torácico em uma espécie de rapinante, popularmente conhecido como coruja-de-igreja (Tyto alba). Os sistemas arteriais foram evidenciados pela injetados com látex neoprene, em seguida, foram fixados em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 10%. Os resultados obtidos possibilitaram-nos as seguintes conclusões: a artéria axilar emerge próximo ao plexo braquial, divide-se em artéria braquial e braquial profunda, irrigando musculatura do braço. Esta dividida em artérias radial e ulnar próximo a articulação úmero-radio-ulnar suprindo esta, musculatura do antebraço, a artéria radial segue como artéria metacárpica ventral envia ramos a articulação cárpica, polegar, digito principal e penas. (AU)

We studied the arterial branch of the forelimb in a kind of predator, popularly known as owl-of-church (Tyto alba). The arterial systems were evidenced by injected with neoprene latex, then they were fixed in 10% aqueous solution of formaldehyde. The results allowed us the following conclusions: the axillary artery emerges near the brachial plexus is divided into deep brachial and brachial artery, irrigating muscles of the arm. Is divided into radial and ulnar arteries near the humerus-radio-ulnar joint supplying this, forearm muscles, the radial artery as follows ventral metacarpal artery sends branches carpal joint, thumb, type main and feathers. (AU)

Further Data on Sesamoid Identity from Two Anuran Species.

Considering that the identification of equivalent entities is the basis for any comparative analysis, we compare the histology, histochemistry, shape and dimensions of epiphyses, carpal and sesamoids in two anuran frogs. Our goal was to explore the morphological correspondence among these three skeletal elements in order to clarify the sesamoid identity. We studied the skeletogenesis, contour geometric morphometry and dimensions of forelimb elements of juveniles of two anurans species Leptodactylus bufonius and Rhinella arenarum. Skeletogenesis in anurans present a common trait between carpals and sesamoids: both elements exhibit endochondral ossification. A difference between these elements is the presence of fibrocartilage in the development of sesamoids. The geometric morphometry does not allow us to establish a shape pattern that can be compared either between sesamoids and epiphyses or carpals. With regard to dimensions, our data indicate that bones categorization based on these aspects is ambiguous and therefore is useless to classify of skeletal bones. The data about tissue differentiation of sesamoids provide evidence that support the idea that these elements should be considered part of the typical endowment of the vertebrate skeleton.

Occurrence and morphometrics of the brachioradialis muscle in wild carnivorans (Carnivora: Caniformia, Feliformia)

The brachioradialis is an important muscle that acts in the external rotation of the forearm (supination). However, its occurrence is controversial and little studied in the order Carnivora. Thus, this study investigates the occurrence and anatomo-functional arrangement of this muscle in wild carnivorans species. Fifty-eight thoracic limbs of specimens from species of Canidae, Procyonidae, Mustelidae and Felidae were dissected. Measurements of the length of the muscle (ML), the length of the forearm (FL), latero-medial width of the muscle (MW) and the lateral-medial diameter of the forearm (FD) were obtained to establish the ratios MW/FD and ML/FL in order to investigate the relative proportion of the muscle in relation to the forearm of each species. The brachioradialis muscle was identified in all species, although it was unilaterally or bilaterally absent in some canid individuals. The ratios demonstrated significant differences in the anatomical proportions among the families, with greater functional importance in the mustelids, procyonids, and felids because of a set of elaborate movements in the thoracic limb of representatives of these families when compared to canids.

Occurrence and morphometrics of the brachioradialis muscle in wild carnivorans (Carnivora: Caniformia, Feliformia)

The brachioradialis is an important muscle that acts in the external rotation of the forearm (supination). However, its occurrence is controversial and little studied in the order Carnivora. Thus, this study investigates the occurrence and anatomo-functional arrangement of this muscle in wild carnivorans species. Fifty-eight thoracic limbs of specimens from species of Canidae, Procyonidae, Mustelidae and Felidae were dissected. Measurements of the length of the muscle (ML), the length of the forearm (FL), latero-medial width of the muscle (MW) and the lateral-medial diameter of the forearm (FD) were obtained to establish the ratios MW/FD and ML/FL in order to investigate the relative proportion of the muscle in relation to the forearm of each species. The brachioradialis muscle was identified in all species, although it was unilaterally or bilaterally absent in some canid individuals. The ratios demonstrated significant differences in the anatomical proportions among the families, with greater functional importance in the mustelids, procyonids, and felids because of a set of elaborate movements in the thoracic limb of representatives of these families when compared to canids.(AU)

A cadaveric study to determine the minimum volume of methylene blue to completely color the nerves of brachial plexus in cats. An update in forelimb and shoulder surgeries

PURPOSE: To determine the minimum volume of methylene blue (MB) to completely color the brachial plexus (BP) nerves, simulating an effective anesthetic block in cats. METHODS: Fifteen adult male cat cadavers were injected through subscapular approach with volumes of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 ml in both forelimbs, for a total of 30 brachial plexus blocks (BPB). After infusions, the specimens were carefully dissected preserving each nervous branch. The measurement of the effective area was indicated by the impregnation of MB. Nerves were divided into four segments from the origin at the spinal level until the insertion into the thoracic limb muscles. The blocks were considered effective only when all the nerves were strongly or totally colored. RESULTS: Volumes of 2, 3 and 4 ml were considered insufficient suggesting a failed block, however, volumes of 5 and 6 ml were associated with a successful block. CONCLUSIONS: The injection of methylene blue, in a volume of 6 ml, completely colored the brachial plexus. At volumes of 5 and 6 ml the brachial plexus blocks were considered a successful regional block, however, volumes of 2, 3 and 4 ml were considered a failed regional block. .

A cadaveric study to determine the minimum volume of methylene blue to completely color the nerves of brachial plexus in cats. An update in forelimb and shoulder surgeries

To determine the minimum volume of methylene blue (MB) to completely color the brachial plexus (BP) nerves, simulating an effective anesthetic block in cats. Fifteen adult male cat cadavers were injected through subscapular approach with volumes of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 ml in both forelimbs, for a total of 30 brachial plexus blocks (BPB). After infusions, the specimens were carefully dissected preserving each nervous branch. The measurement of the effective area was indicated by the impregnation of MB. Nerves were divided into four segments from the origin at the spinal level until the insertion into the thoracic limb muscles. The blocks were considered effective only when all the nerves were strongly or totally colored. RESULTS: Volumes of 2, 3 and 4 ml were considered insufficient suggesting a failed block, however, volumes of 5 and 6 ml were associated with a successful block. The injection of methylene blue, in a volume of 6 ml, completely colored the brachial plexus. At volumes of 5 and 6 ml the brachial plexus blocks were considered a successful regional block, however, volumes of 2, 3 and 4 ml were considered a failed regional block.(AU)

The IBB forelimb scale as a tool to assess functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury in mice.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to test whether the IBB Forelimb Scale (Irvine et al., 2010) which was originally developed for rats with spinal cord injury, is also capable of measuring the functional performance of Swiss mice with lesions of the median and ulnar nerves inflicted via crushing with standardized strength. NEW METHOD: This test was performed at days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 after surgery and each animal gives a score of 9, where 0 represented the worst functionality and 9 represented the habitual behavior. RESULTS: The control animals usually exhibited movements in the task that were scored as 9 during the experimental period. The lesion group began with a score of 2 on the 1st and 3rd post-operative days. On the 7th and 10th postoperative days, respectively, they scored 7, and on the 14th post-operative day, they achieved a score of 8. Only on the 21st post-operative day, did they exhibit habitual skillful behaviors. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S): IBB Forelimb Scale is effective for determining how the animals perform the movements in detail, which is not readily revealed by other methods. Furthermore, this test show similar recovery periods with grasping test, staircase test and seems to be more sensitive than paw print analysis for this type of lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that IBB scale was capable of measuring gradual improvements in motor forelimb functions in this model and may be a new and effective assessment tool for peripheral nerve injury.

Forelimb myology of the golden pheasant (crysolophus pictus) / Miología del miembro anterior del faisán dorado (chrysolophus pictus)

Morphological work on the appendicular myology of birds forms the basis for comparative, functional and systematic studies, but our knowledge of the descriptive anatomy of birds is still very incomplete. The musculature of the wing muscles of the Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), an endemic species of China, is studied in detail. All wing muscles are present as in other Galliformes. Myological characteristics including the absence of a deep layer of M. pectoralis pars thoracicus, well development of anterbrachial muscles, as well as the occurrence of a distinct fleshy slip from the proximal belly of M. biceps brachii, are suggested to be associated with its flapping flight. This paper is the prelude to functional analysis on muscle architecture in this species and may serve as a basis for future taxonomic comparisons.

El trabajo morfológico en la miología apendicular de las aves constituye la base para los estudios comparativos, funcionales y sistemáticos, sin embargo, nuestro conocimiento de la anatomía descriptiva de las aves es aún muy incompleto. Se estudió en detalle la musculatura de las alas del faisán de oro (Chrysolophus pictus), una especie endémica de China. Todos los músculos de las alas están presentes tal como en otros Galliformes. Características miológicas que se estima están asociadas con su vuelo de aleteo, incluyen la ausencia de una capa profunda de M. pectoral pars thoracicus, el buen desarrollo de los músculos anterbrachiales, como también la ocurrencia de un deslizamiento carnoso del vientre proximal de M. bíceps braquial. Este documento es el inicio de un análisis funcional de la arquitectura muscular en esta especie y puede servir de base para futuras comparaciones taxonómicas.