Chapter 1: Dissection of Thoracic Limb (aka Forelimb)

IMPORTANT NOTES: The equine limb structures are of great importance from a clinical perspective, however, the dissection of the ruminant limbs (calf) will provide an important comparative perspective. Use the instructions within this Guide to dissect both the pony and calf specimens on both left and right sides; species specific instructions and exceptions will be indicated as needed.

• Horse/Pony specific directions are in red.
• Ox/Calf specific directions are in blue.
• The hanging specimens will be dissected from the hanging position as much as possible. This will provide you the advantage of seeing the structures in a normal (upright) position.
• Specimen storage: At the end of any given lab, all areas of the specimens where skin was removed should be wrapped with paper towels soaked in wetting solution and then covered with plastic bags (including a bag over the head) to avoid desiccation.

This chapter is split into four parts:

1. Superficial Structures and Skinning Your Cadaver
2. Extrinsic Muscles and Associated Structures
3. Proximal Thoracic Limb
4. Distal Thoracic Limb

Your mission is to work with your dissection teammates to complete all four parts of this dissection in the allotted amount of time associated with the thoracic limb dissection. All terms in bold font that are not italicized are fair game for quizzes and exams. (Italicized items are for your information only and are not testable information.) 

Click this link to access the complete Dissection of Thoracic Limb learning objectives and terms list; this material can also be found on the course Canvas site.