_Structure._—In the domesticated animals there is no such clear division
of the muscle as is found in man and the apes. On account of the
difference in action, however, it seems desirable to distinguish the two
portions. The cervical part is thick and almost entirely fleshy. The
thoracic part has on its superficial face a thick, tendinous layer which
may sustain the weight of the trunk when the muscle substance relaxes.
The ventral edge presents distinct digitations, the last four of which
alternate with those of the obliquus externus abdominis, and are covered
by the abdominal tunic. The fourth, fifth, and sixth digitations extend
nearly to the distal ends of the ribs. The last digitation is small and
may be absent. Exceptionally additional digitations may be attached to
the tenth or eleventh rib or to the fascia over the intercostal muscles.
The fibers converge to the insertion, which is thick and is intersected
by elastic lamellæ derived from the dorso-scapular ligament.
_Relations._—Superficially, the mastoido-humeralis, trapezius, deep
pectoral, subscapularis, teres major, latissimus dorsi, panniculus
carnosus, the abdominal tunic, the brachial vessels, and the long
thoracic nerve; deeply, the splenius, complexus, longissimus,
transversalis costarum, the ribs and external intercostal muscles, and
branches of the superior cervical and dorsal arteries.
_Blood-supply._—Superior cervical, dorsal, vertebral, and intercostal
arteries.
_Nerve-supply._—Brachial plexus.
II. THE MUSCLES OF THE SHOULDER
Under this head will be described those muscles which arise on the
scapula and end on the arm; they may be divided into two groups—one
covering the dorsum, the other the venter of the scapula.
The =superficial fascia= of the shoulder and arm contains the panniculus
carnosus of this region, and may be considered to be continued on the
inner side of the limb by the subscapular fascia.
The =thoracic= or =scapulo-humeral portion= of the =panniculus= (M.
cutaneus scapulæ et humeri) arises by a thin aponeurosis from the
ligamentum nuchæ at the withers. The fleshy portion begins over the
upper part of the scapula and extends to the elbow. Its fibers have in
general a dorso-ventral direction. It is continuous behind with the
abdominal portion.
The =deep fascia= of the shoulder and arm (Fascia omobrachialis) is much
more developed and important. It is strong and tendinous, and is
intimately adherent to the muscles on the outer surface of the scapula,
between which it detaches =intermuscular septa=, which are attached to
the spine and borders of the scapula. The brachial portion is, for the
most part, only loosely attached to the underlying muscles, for which it
forms sheaths; it is attached to the humerus, especially to the lips of
the bicipital groove and the deltoid tuberosity. It blends distally with
the tendon of insertion of the biceps, and is continued by the
antibrachial fascia.
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