A macroscopic study on the muscles and tendons of forepaws in the anatolian bobcat (Lynx lynx)

Abstract

This study was performed on the tendons and muscles of two Anatolian bobcats (Lynx lynx). The research materials were donated by Republic of Turkey Ministry of the Forestry and Water Affairs Sivas Branch Manager. To achieve this objective, dissection and radiography were applied to two dead specimens. Digit I is radiographically rudimentary in the forepaw. The muscles and tendons of the forepaw in the bobcat are located in the cranial and caudal aspect of the antebrachium, the central manus and hypothenar region. The extensor muscles are situated on the cranial aspect of the antebrachium, while the flexor muscles are located on the caudal aspect of the antebrachium. The m. extensor carpi radialis in the extensor group has long and short portions; the m. extensor digitorum lateralis et communis give rise to tendons associated with fingers; the fascia covering the muscles emerges on the lateral and medial border of the m. extensor digitorum lateralis. The m. flexor digitorum superficialis et profundus lie on the caudal aspect of the antebrachium; the superficial digital flexor tendons give rise to the origin of the bellies of the m. flexor digitorum brevis; the m. flexor digitorum profundus form a stout tendon from which the mm. lumbricales originate on the palmar aspect of carpal joints; the tendon of the muscle perforates the tendon of the m. flexor digitorum superficialis. The mm. flexores digitorum profundi breves in the central manus group consist of the lateral and medial portions and insert on the palmar aspect of each proximal phalanx associated with the fingers. Other muscles in the group, adductores digitorum, end to those in the fingers.