Cat Dissection Atlas
Muscular System

This Photograph shows a clear dissection of the superficial muscles of the forelimb of the cat. The Clavobrachialis (also known as the clavodeltoid) is the most anterior muscle in the region; it originates from the clavicle and crosses the shoulder. It inserts on the ulna. It works with the clavotapezius, of which it is a continuation, to extend the humerus and flex the elbow.

The pectoantebrachialis muscle originates from the anterior sternum and insterts on the ulna. This muscle does not have an analogue in humans.

The pectoralis major is partially deep to the pectoantebrachialis, although the students who did this dissection have separated it. In humans it is an adductor of the arm. It works synergistically with the latissimus dorsi, partially seen here.

The pectoralis minor is partially deep to the pectoralis major in cats, and entirely deep in humans. It is smaller than the major in humans, but larger in cats. It cats it originates from the sternum and inserts on the humerus. In humans it inserts into the clavicle.

Picture taken by L. Miller November, 2006 ©L. Miller

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