Musculoskeletal Component of Necropsy Laboratory

Avian Core

CVM 6880

 
Reference:  Koenig, HE & HG Liebich.  Anatomie und Propaedeutik des Geflugels.  Schattauer, New York. 2001.
 
There are two components to this portion of the lab:
 
  1. Specimen Dissection
  2. Radiograph Examination
 
Using the diagrams accompanying this handout, the prosected specimens, and radiographs, learn the major features of the appendicular and axial skeleton along with their clinically important muscular features.  All of the structures listed below should be identified and their function known.
 
Use this outline with the necrospy instructions provided by Dr. Halvorson.  After identifying the major visceral structures, continue to skin the specimen so the features of the skeleton may be identified.
 
In studying the radiographs, you should be able to identify all of the major structures including skeletal and visceral detail
 
Muscles and structures to identify by dissection:
 

Pectoral Limb

 
Pectoralis major
Supracoracoideus
Coracobrachialis (not labelled on diagrams – see prosection)
Tensor propatagialis: pars brevis and pars longus
Deltoideus
Triceps and Scapulotriceps brachii
Biceps brachii
Extensor metacarpi radialis
Supinator
Common Digital Extensor
Extensor Metacarpi Ulnaris
Radial  Nerve
Basilic Vein



Ventral View of the left wing.  Note that flexors are on the ventral surface (from Koenig-Liebich, p. 50).


Dorsal View of Left Wing.  Note that extensors are on the dorsal surface of the wing (from Koenig-Liebich, p. 50).

 

Whole body view of the musculature of the pectoral limb (left side) (from  Koenig-Liebich, p.34).


 

Pelvic Limb

 
Iliotibialis cranialis (sartorious)
Iliotibialis lateralis
Iliofibularis
Femorotibialis
Flexor cruris lateralis (semitendinosus)
Flexor cruris medialis (semimembranosus)
Fibularis longus (aka peroneus longus, tibialis cranialis)
Extensor digitorum longus
Gastrocnemius (lateral head)
Gastrocnemius (medial head)
Flexor perforans et perforatus digiti II or III (origin and insertion)
Extensor hallucis longus
Saphenous vein  (aka medial metatarsal vein)
 

Lateral view of the musculature of the avian pelvic limb - superficial layers (from Koenig - Liebich, p. 68).




Lateral view of the musculature of the Pelvic Limb – deep layers proximally, superficial layers distal to the stifle (from Koenig and Liebich, p. 69).





Medial view of the deep musculature of the pelvic limb proximally, superficial layers below the stifle (from Koenig-Liebich, p. 69)





Cranial view of left tarsometatarsus and phalanges
 


 
Plantar view of left tarsometatarsus and phalanges.  Note pattern of perforating and perforated tendons on the phalanges.

Avian Skeleton

 
 

 
Coordinated interaction of the major pectoralis muscle and the supracoracoideus muscle during elevation and depression of the pectoral limb.