Muscles of thorax
Musculi thoracis
Definition
The muscles of thorax are a group of muscles involved in respiration, posture, and the mobility of the forelimbs in domestic animals.
They are divided into two main groups:
The extrinsic muscles of the thoracic limb, which connect the forelimb to the trunk (such as the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, or serratus ventralis),
The intrinsic muscles of the thorax proper, which include the external and internal intercostal muscles, the rectus thoracis, and the transversus thoracis. These muscles play a key role in the movements of the rib cage, facilitating inspiration and expiration.
The main nerves involved in the innervation of the thoracic muscles are the intercostal nerves (originating from the ventral branches of the thoracic spinal nerves), while vascularization is provided by the intercostal arteries, which mainly arise from the thoracic aorta and the internal thoracic artery.
References
Constantinescu GM, Schaller O. Illustrated veterinary anatomical nomenclature, 3rd Edition, Enke Verlag, Stuttgart, 2012.
Barone R. Anatomie comparée des mammifères domestiques, Tome 2, Arthrologie et myologie, 4th edition, Vigot, Paris, 2017.
