Limbs

The limbs are the locomotor appendages attached to the trunk.

In domestic mammals, two types are distinguished:

• the thoracic limb, anterior, who is connected to the thorax by a muscular junction called syssarcosis;

• the pelvic limb, posterior, who is articulated with the pelvis via the sacroiliac joint.

The limbs ensure locomotion, body weight support, and postural stability. They also allow various movements depending on the species (running, jumping, weight-bearing). Their morphology presents functional adaptations specific to carnivores, ruminants, and equids.