Muscles of the Leg and Thigh

11/3/14, 11/5/14 and 11/6/14

Procedure:

1. Locate and identify the superficial muscles of the leg. Be sure to be observing the outer-side of the leg. The following superficial muscles should be identified: the Gastrocnemius, the biceps femoris, the semitendinosus and vastus lateralis. The gastrocnemius is intermediate between the semitendinosus (left of the gastrocnemius) and the vastus lateralis (right of the gastrocnemius).  The biceps femoris are directly superior (above) the gastrocnemius and also intermediate between the semitendinosus (left of the biceps femoris) and the vastus lateralis (right of the biceps femoris). Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these superficial muscles.
2. With a scalpel, clearly outline these superficial leg muscles and then take a picture.
3. Next, locate and identify the fascia latae and the tensor fasciae latae of the thigh. The fascia latae is inferior (below) the tensor fasciae latae. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles. Next take a picture of the fascia latae and the tensor fascia latae before making incision marks.
4. Locate and identify the superficial muscles of the thigh. Be sure to be observing the outer-side of the thigh. The following superficial muscles should be identified: the sartorius, the caudofemoralis, the gluteus maximus and the gluteus medius. The caudofemoralis is inferior (below) the gluteus maximus. The gluteus medius is a superficial muscle underneath the gluteus maximus. The sartorius is a muscle that connects the upper thigh to the trunk (body) of the cat. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles.
5. With a scalpel, clearly outline these superficial thigh muscles and then take a picture.
6. Move on to the inner thigh and identify the sartorius and the gracilis muscle. The sartorius runs vertically up the thigh of the left and the gracilis is a slightly smaller muscle running vertically up the thigh of the right. With a scalpel, outline both these muscles.
7. Identify the femoral artery, which is a long, thin artery running vertically up the thigh and down the leg of the cat. Identify the femoral vein (blue) which is also long and thin and runs vertically up the thigh and down the leg of the cat. Lastly, identify the adductor muscles, which are to the right of the blue vein at the upper area of the inner thigh. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of the arteries, veins and adductor muscles.  
8. With a scalpel (and surgical tweezers if needed) separate the femoral artery and the femoral vein but, do not cut off. Take a picture.
9. Next with the scalpel, cut the gracilis muscle in order to clearly identify the adductor femoris. The adductor femoris is directly underneath the gracilis muscle, running vertically up the thigh. Take a picture of the incision made in the gracilis muscle and the exposed adductor femoris.  
10. Then with a scalpel, cut the adductor femoris, exposing the semimembranosus muscle which is underneath the adductor femoris. Take a picture of the incision made in the adductor femoris and the exposed semimembranosus muscle. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of the gracilis, adductor femoris and the semimembranosus.
11. Next locate and cut the gastrocnemius muscle with a scalpel, which is inferior (below) the semimembranosus. This incision will expose the  the semitendinosus muscle, which is underneath the gastrocnemius. Take a picture of the incision made in the gastrocnemius muscle and the exposed semitendinosus muscle. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles.
12. Recognize the sartorius muscle (previously identified). Inferior (below) to the sartorius muscle is the tibialis anterior and tibia and the flexor digitorum. The tibia is intermediate between the tibialis anterior and the flexor digitorum. The flexor digitorum is proximal (next) to the gastrocnemius. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles.
13. With a scalpel, separate these muscles and then take a picture.
14. Next cut the sartorius muscle with a scalpel and identify the vastus lateralis and the vastus medialis. Both of these muscles lie underneath the sartorius muscle and run vertically up the inner thigh. The vastus medialis is intermediate between the vastus lateralis and the semimembranosus muscle (previously identified).
15. Superior (above) to the vastus lateralis and the vastus medialis is the rectus femoris. While being located above these two muscles, the rectus femoris is also intermediate between the vastus lateralis and the vastus medialis at the uppermost part of the inner thigh. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of the vastus lateralis, the vastus medialis and the rectus femoris.
16. After identifying these muscles, separate them using a scalpel in order to clearly outline their location. Take a picture
17. Proximal (next) to the vastus medialis is the adductor femoris muscle (previously identified). Superior (above) to the vastus medialis and the semimembranosus are three small muscles, located at the uppermost part of the inner thigh. These three muscles are called the iliopsoas, the pectineus and the adductor longus. These three muscles are also intermediate between the vastus medialis and the semimembranosus. The pectineus is intermediate between the iliopsoas and the adductor longus.The Iliopsoas is proximal (next) to the rectus femoris. The adductor longus is proximal (next) to the adductor femoris. The Iliopsoas is proximal (next) to the rectus femoris.
18. Next identify the calcaneal tendon (achilles), which is located inferior (below) to the gastrocnemius. Clean up this tendon using a scalpel in order for it to be clearly seen. Take a picture. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of this tendon.
19. Turn back to the outer thigh and leg. Recognize the location of biceps femoris (previously identified), which takes up the upper area of the outer thigh. Directly inferior (below) the biceps femoris is the semitendinosus. The semitendinosus is intermediate between the biceps femoris and the gastrocnemius. The gastrocnemius is inferior (below) the semitendinosus and the biceps femoris. Identify and clearly outline these muscles with a scalpel and then take a picture. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles.
20. Located on the gastrocnemius muscle is the posterior tibial nerve. The posterior tibial nerve runs vertically up the leg and down to the calcaneal tendon (achilles). Separate this nerve with a scalpel (and surgical tweezers if necessary) and then take a picture of this nerve. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of this nerve.
21. Identify the following deep leg muscles: the soleus, the peroneus and the extensor digitorum longus. The soleus is superior (above) the peroneus. The extensor digitorum longus is inferior (below) the peroneus. The peroneus is intermediate between the soleus and the extensor digitorum longus. With a scalpel, separate these deep leg muscles and take a picture. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles.

Materials: scalpel and surgical tweezers.

Data and Observations:

Semara had beautiful thigh and leg muscles as well as beautiful veins, nerves and arteries. All of her thigh and leg muscles were in great condition and in the correct place. All of her veins, nerves and arteries were also in the correct positions and in great condition. Semara’s arteries were small but her veins were large. Her nerves were slightly thin and an average size. Pictures and data shown below.

Human Corresponding Leg Muscles

Conclusion:

Dissecting the thigh and leg of the cat was definitely the most difficult. I was again confused and did not have a clear understanding of what I was supposed to do. Infact, my lab partner and I needed extra time to finish dissecting the muscles of the leg. It was difficult for me to enjoy this process because I struggled to decipher between the different muscles and understand the anatomy. Although, I did enjoy studying the veins, nerves and arteries on the inside of the thigh. I had never seen a nerve before and always wondered what it looked like. Identifying the veins, nerves and arteries was easier and I was able dissect them. Overall, dissecting the leg and thigh felt a bit rushed and I wish I had a better understanding of the different muscles.  

Muscles of the Arm and Forearm

10/28/14-10/30/14

Procedure:

1. Place the cat on its back then take the upper arm and identify the superficial muscles. You should be looking at the inner-side of the cat’s upper arm. The following superficial muscles should be identified: the spinodeltoid (previously identified), the brachialis, the acromiodeltoid (previously identified), the triceps (the long head) and triceps brachii (the medial head and previously identified). The acromiodeltoid is superior (above) to the brachialis. The spinodeltoid is inferior (below) to the brachialis. The brachialis is intermediate between the acromiodeltoid and the spinodeltoid. To the right of these three muscles are the triceps brachii and the triceps. The triceps brachii are superior (above) to the triceps. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these superficial muscles.
2. With a scalpel, clearly outline the superficial muscles of the upper arm and then take a picture.
3. Identify the superficial muscles of the forearm. You should be looking at the inner-side of the cat’s forearm. The following superficial muscles should be identified: the brachioradialis, the extensor carpi radialis longus, the extensor digitorum communis, the extensor digitorum lateralis and the extensor carpi ulnaris. Image the cat’s forearm in the anatomical position. The extensor carpi ulnaris would be closest to the midline and the brachioradialis would be farthest lateral (away) from the midline. From left to right is the extensor carpi ulnaris (farthest left), then the extensor digitorum lateralis, then the extensor digitorum communis, then the extensor carpi radialis longus and lastly the brachioradialis (farthest right). Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these superficial muscles.
4. With a scalpel, make an incision on each of the striations, which separate these muscles. These incisions will clearly outline the superficial muscles of the forearm. When finished take a picture.
5. Next, begin to identify the deep muscles of the arm and forearm. The following deep muscles should be identified: the extensor carpi radialis brevis, the flexor carpi radialis, the palmaris longus, the flexor carpi ulnaris, the pronator teres, and the epitrochlearis. The extensor carpi radialis brevis is the deep muscle directly underneath the extensor carpi radialis longus, which is proximal to the brachioradialis (previously identified). The pronator teres is a small muscle intermediate between the extensor carpi radialis brevis (right of pronator teres) and the flexor carpi radialis (left of the pronator teres). The pronator is also superior (above) the epitrochlearis, which is a bigger muscle underneath the triceps (previously identified). The palmaris longus is intermediate between the flexor carpi radialis (right of palmaris longus) and the flexor carpi ulnaris (left of palmaris longus). These three muscles are all superior (above) the epitrochlearis. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these superficial muscles.
6. With a scalpel, carefully make incisions (or cut off superficial muscle if needed) to identify the deep arm and forearm muscles described above. Take a picture.
7. Locate and identify the biceps brachii, which is intermediate between the clavobrachialis and the pectoantebrachialis. The clavobrachialis being superior (above) the biceps brachii and the pectoantebrachialis being inferior (below) the biceps brachii. Take a picture of this muscle.
8. Be aware of how the superficial chest muscles meet the superficial and deep arm and forearm muscles. Observe where these muscles meet then take a picture.

Materials: scalpel

Data and Observations:

All of Semara’s superficial and deep arm and forearm muscles were in great condition and in the correct place. The superficial arm muscles were able to be clearly identified as well as the deep arm muscles. The striations on Semara’s forearm helped to identify the superficial muscles. Semara’s superficial muscles were fairly thin as well as Semara’s deep forearm muscles. Semara’s superficial and deep muscles on her upper arm were definitely thicker and healthier. Pictures of the data collected are shown below.

Human Corresponding Arm and Forearm Muscles

(also shows part of the human shoulder muscles)

Conclusion:

Identifying the outlining Semara’s superficial muscles on her upper arm was quite easy. Doing the same for her superficial forearm muscles was easy as well. Identify Semara’s deep arm muscles was also easy but, identify her deep forearm muscles was more difficult because they were very small, thin muscles located directly underneath the superficial forearm muscles, which were also small and thin. I did enjoy observing how the superficial muscles of the chest connect to the muscles of the arm and forearm. Having the opportunity to observe all the muscle connecting to each other really gave me a better understanding of the anatomy. Also, Labeling my pictures and diagrams helped me understand where the muscles of the arm and forearm are located and which muscles they are connected too. I definitely enjoyed working on the arm and forearm muscles a lot better than the back and shoulder.

Muscles of the Back and Shoulder

10/24/14 and 10/27/14

Focus Question: Identify the superficial and deep muscles of the back and shoulder.

Procedure:

1. Recognize where the latissimus dorsi and the external oblique are located (the latissimus dorsi being superior (above) the external oblique). Both muscles should be located on the cat’s posterior (back). Identify the spinotrapezius, acromiotrapezius and clavotrapezius, located further up the cat’s posterior (back). The spinotrapezius is superior (above) the latissimus dorsi and inferior (below) the acromiotrapezius. The clavotrapezius is superior (above) the acromiotrapezius. The acromiotrapezius being intermediate between the clavotrapezius and the spinotrapezius. Review the diagrams in the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these superficial muscles.
2. With a scalpel, make an incision outlining these superficial back muscles then take a picture.
3. Identify the superficial muscles of the shoulder: clavobrachialis (clavodeltoid), acromiodeltoid, spinodeltoid, and the triceps brachii. The levator scapulae ventralis is intermediate between the acromiodeltoid and the acromiotrapezius. The spinodeltoid is intermediate between the triceps brachii and the acromiotrapezius. The spinodeltoid and the levator scapulae are next to each other. The triceps brachii take up the outer-side of the arm and are inferior (below) to the acromiodeltoid and the spinodeltoid. Left to the triceps brachii is the clavobrachialis (clavodeltoid), which is inferior (below) to the clavotrapezius. Review the diagrams in the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these superficial muscles.
4. With a scalpel, clearly outline each of these superficial shoulder muscles, which are located on the cat’s shoulder and upper arm area. Take a picture.
5. Next with a scalpel and surgical tweezers, remove the superficial muscles of the shoulder in order to identify the deep muscles of the shoulder. The following deep shoulder muscles should be identified: Supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres major. The supraspinatus is superior (above) the infraspinatus muscle. The teres major is a small muscle inferior (below) the infraspinatus. The infraspinatus being intermediate between the supraspinatus and teres major. Review the diagrams in the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these deep muscles.
6. Attached to the back side of the shoulder is the levator scapulae ventralis, rhomboideus capitis and the rhomboideus muscle. These are deep back muscles attached to the shoulder. The levator scapulae ventralis is superior (above) the rhomboideus capitis. The rhomboideus is inferior (below) the rhomboideus capitis. The rhomboideus capitis is intermediate between the levator scapulae ventralis and the rhomboideus. Review the diagrams in the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these deep muscles. With your fingers, delicately separate these three muscles. Use your scalpel if needed.
7. Once clearly identified, take a picture of all the deep shoulder muscles.
8. With a scalpel and surgical tweezers, make an incision in the clavotrapezius in order to identify the splenius. The splenius is a deep neck muscle located underneath the clavotrapezius.
9. Once clearly identified, take a picture of the incision of the clavotrapezius and the splenius muscle.
10. Next with a scalpel and surgical tweezers, make an incision down the midline of the cat’s posterior (back) in order to identify the deep muscles of the cat. The following deep back muscles should be identified: the spinalis dorsi, the longissimus and the iliocostalis. The spinalis dorsi is medial to the iliocostalis. In other words, the spinalis dorsi is closest to the midline and the iliocostalis are lateral or away from the midline. The longissimus is intermediate between the spinalis dorsi and the iliocostalis. Also, identify the fascia intermediate the superficial back muscles and the deep back muscles.
11. Once clearly identified, take a picture of the fascia and the deep back muscles.

Materials: scalpel and surgical tweezers.

Data and Observations: 
All of Samara's superficial and deep muscles of the back and shoulder were in great condition and in the correct spot. The different muscles were able to be clearly identified due to the striations of the muscles, especially the deep muscles of the back. Pictures of the data collected are shown below.

Human Corresponding Muscles of the Back and Shoulder

Conclusion: 
I found the superficial and deep back muscles easy. It was slightly harder to cut through the superficial muscle to get to the deep muscle because of the fascia on the cat’s posterior but, I was able to identify all the muscles easily. Unfortunately, I struggled to locate and identify the superficial and the deep muscles of the shoulder and often questioned if I was dissecting my cat correctly. These muscles were very confusing to me and I had a terribly hard time labeling my pictures. Once I finished labeling my pictures and diagrams, I did gain a new knowledge of the superficial and deep muscles of the back and shoulder. I am glad I had the opportunity to observe how the muscles of the back connect to the shoulder. It was very cool to see the muscles contract and observing this gave me a better understanding of the anatomy.

Muscles of the Abdomen

10/23/14

Focus Question: Identifying the muscles of the abdomen: latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, transverse abdominis and linea alba.

Procedure:

1. Identify the striations of the latissimus dorsi and use the scalpel to cut around and under the latissimus dorsi by cutting through the connective tissue. Do not completely remove the layer of muscle, leave it connected on the side (creating a flap) in order for the incisions and the placement of the different chest muscle to be identified.
2. Take a picture of the incision of the latissimus dorsi. Then take a picture of the flap of muscle folded over.
3. Next identify the linea alba, which is a fibrous structure that runs down the midline (center) of the abdomen. Take a picture of the linea alba.
4. Next move on to identifying the external oblique, which should already be exposed following the skinning process. The external oblique is located on the side of the abdomen of the cat and has striations going at a downward diagonal. Take a picture.
5. Using a scalpel and surgical tweezers, separate the external oblique from the internal oblique, which is directly under the external oblique. The internal oblique has striations going at an upward diagonal. Once separated, leave the external oblique connected on the side of the abdomen near the back, creating a flap. Take a picture of the internal oblique.
6. Using a scalpel and surgical tweezers, separate the internal oblique from the transverse abdominis, which is the deepest layer of the abdominal muscles. The transverse abdominis has striations that go hortionizally across the muscle, like straight lines. Once separated, leave the internal oblique connected on the side of the abdomen near the back, creating a flap. Take a picture of the transverse oblique. Do not cut into the transverse oblique.
7. Next identify the rectus abdominis, which is a straight, sometimes thin line of muscle going up the midline (center) of the cat. Using a scalpel and surgical tweezers, remove any part of the linea alba and any fat in order to clearly identify the rectus abdominis. Once this is done, take a picture of the rectus abdominis.

Materials: Scalpel and surgical tweezers.

Data and Observations:

All of Semara’s abdominal muscles were in great condition and in the correct place. The striations of Semara’s latissimus dorsi were clearly viable. The striations on Semara’s external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominis were clearly visible, though these layers of muscle are quite thin, which caused slight difficulty to separate them. Lastly, Semara’s rectus abdominis was fairly thinner than usual making it harder to identify this muscle. Pictures of the data collected are shown below.

Human Corresponding Abdominal Muscles 

Conclusion:

Identifying the muscles of the abdomen was easier than expected. The striations of Semara’s abdominal muscles were more visible which especially helped when identifying the abdominal muscles. I was able to clearly see the difference between the external oblique, the internal oblique and the transverse abdominis. As previously mentioned, it was difficult to separate the abdominal muscles due to how thing they are. I ended up cutting through the internal oblique, leaving is still attached to the external oblique. In other words, instead of having the external oblique and the internal oblique separated, I accidently left them attached. Fortunately, I was still able to identify both muscles even though they weren’t separated. I also struggled to identify the rectus abdominis and ended up cutting through the abdomen while searching for it. None of the internal organs were damaged I just made a faint hole in the abdomen exposing them. I enjoyed studying the abdominal muscles a little bit better than the chest muscles but, the inability to identify the rectus abdominis really irritated me.

Muscles of the Chest

10/21-10/22

Focus Question:

Identifying the muscles of the chest: pectoantebrachialis, pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, xiphihumeralis, serratus ventralis and exterior intercostals.

Procedure:

1. Identify the striations of the pectoantebrachialis, pectoralis major, pectoralis minor and the xiphihumeralis the make an incision with the scalpel. Striations are a series of ridges, furrows or linear marks. For these muscles, identify the striations that run across the chest (these are the white lines that separate the different chest muscles). The pectoantebrachialis is superior (above) to the pectorals major. The pectorals major is intermediate between the pectoantebrachialis and the pectorals minor. The pectoralis minor is inferior (below) the pectoralis major. The xiphihumeralis is inferior (below) the pectoralis minor. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these superficial chest muscles.
2. Use the scalpel to cut around and under the chest muscles by cutting through the connective tissue. Do not completely remove the layer of muscle, leave it connected on the side (creating a flap) in order for the incisions and the placement of the different chest muscle to be identified.
3. Fold the flaps of muscle over and take a picture. Then take a picture with the flaps of muscle laid out in their original position.
4. Because the pectoralis minor and the xiphihumeralis was just separated from the chest, the serratus ventralis is now visible. Follow the striations and begin to separate this layer of muscle using the scalpel to cut through the connective tissue. Do not completely remove this muscle, leave it connected on the side (creating a flap) in order for the incision and the muscle’s location to be identified.
5. Underneath the serratus ventralis, are the exterior intercostals of the cat, which are now visible with the serratus ventralis muscle folded out of view. Take a picture with the exterior intercostals exposed (the serratus ventralis folded out of view) and take a picture with the serratus ventralis placed in its original position, covering the exterior intercostals.

Materials: Scalpel

Data and Observations:

All of Semara’s (the cat’s) chest muscles looked to be in great condition and were all in the correct position. Semara’s striations were clearly visible, making it easy to identify her chest muscles. The pectoantebrachialis, pectoralis major, pectoralis minor and the xiphihumeralis were all smooth and faint in color with small white striations. The serratus ventralis was darker in color while smooth and also had faint striations. The exterior intercostals were also darker in color and part of Semara’s ribs were visible and able to be felt through the exterior intercostals. Pictures of the data collected are shown below.

Human Corresponding Chest Muscles

Conclusion:

Removing the layers of muscle was challenging, at times I questioned if I was removing more than just muscle or if I wasn’t removing the correct muscle. I never knew how deep to cut and feared I would cut through something I wasn’t supposed too. Making incisions along the ends of each muscle helped me see the whole picture. I had a much better understanding of the different chest muscles once I could see the layers of muscle physically cut out and separated. Studying the chest muscles was a bit boring for me but I did appreciate the difference in texture and color between the different chest muscles.