Volume 29 | Issue 3 Article 5

1967 The Arterial Supply to Appendages of the Goat (Capra hircus) N. G. Ghoshal Iowa State University

R. Getty Iowa State University

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Recommended Citation Ghoshal, N. G. and Getty, R. (1967) "The Arterial Supply to Appendages of the Goat (Capra hircus)," Iowa State University Veterinarian: Vol. 29 : Iss. 3 , Article 5. Available at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/iowastate_veterinarian/vol29/iss3/5

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Iowa State University Veterinarian by an authorized editor of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Arterial Supply to the Appendages of the Goat (Capra hircus)

by *N. G. Ghoshal, G.V.Sc., D.T.V.M., Dr.med.vet., Ph.D. and R. Getty, D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D.

The arterial blood supply of both the The arteries were injected with a mixture thoracic and the pelvic limbs of the goat of two parts 2% ammonia water and three are seldom described in the standard text­ parts red latex. A pressure of approxi­ books or in articles, especially in English mately 120 mm of mercury was used to literature (see bibliography). The assump­ inject the arteries. A few specimens were tion has been, perhaps, that there is no sig­ also injected by digital pressure by means nificant difference between the vascular of a metal syringe. patterns in the appendages of the goat and The specimens thus prepared were kept those of the ox and sheep. Due to the lack in a cooler for two to three days and were of pertinent information for comparative then dissected and composite findings anatomical studies, the inconsistency of were illustrated. descriptions, and the complexity of the areas, it has been deemed proper to refer RESULTS to relevant works in the section on results. Part I. Thoracic Limb MATERIAL AND METHODS The branches of the axillary artery sup­ plied the thoracic limb. Besides, the omo­ Ten thoracic and ten pelvic limbs of the cervical trunk vascularized part of the goat were dissected for this investigation. shoulder region. The animals were sacrificed in the Depart­ ment of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Truncus omocervicalis (s. A. cervicalis Medicine, Iowa State University of Science superficialis) and Technology, Ames, Iowa, between The omocervical trunk arose from the June, 1965, and August, 1967. Breed, age, dorsal aspect of the subclavian artery at sex, and body weight were not taken into the thoracic inlet (medial to the first rib) consideration in the study. and opposite to the origin of the internal The animals were anesthetized with thoracic artery. It passed dorsally along pentobarbitol sodium and exsanguinated the cranial border of the M. supraspinatus via a cannula from the right carotid ar­ to the deep face of the Mm. brachiocephal­ tery. The specimens were embalmed with icus, trapezius cervicis and omotransver­ the following embalming solution: iso­ sarius. It continued dorsolaterad to the propyl alcohol, 60%; formalin, 4%; phe­ superficial cervical lymph nodes and rami­ nol, 6%; com syrup, 2.5%; and water, fied on the deep face of the M. trapezius, 27.5%. terminating in at least three branches. The vessels were perfused with normal Origingating from the omocervical trunk saline solution to remove the blood clots, were: and the arteries for both the thoracic and 1. The Ramus muscularis-The muscu­ the pelvic limbs were injected to demon­ lar branch arose from the parent trunk strate their disposition in the appendages. close to the latter's origin from the sub­ clavian artery and ramified within the M. * Dr. Ghoshal is Assistant Professor in the Depart. ment of Veterinary Anatomy, Iowa State University. subclavius. Dr. Getty is Professor & Head of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Iowa State University. 2. The A. transversa scapulae-The

Issue, No.3, 1967 123 transverse scapular artery was the second the metacarpus and metatarsus is out of branch from this arterial trunk. It coursed proportion to their physiological and clin­ towards the cranial face of the M. supra­ ical importance. The main arteries are spinatus, where it divided into two the deep dorsal metatarsal and the super­ branches: ficial palmar metacarpal." a. The medial branch extended caud­ omedially across the craniomedial face of A. axillaris the M. supraspinatus, sending strong mus­ The subclavian artery (A. subclavia), cular branches to this muscle and slender after the origin of the omocervical trunk twigs to the cranial border of the Mm. sub­ continued as the axillary artery and ex­ scapularis and pectoralis ascendens and tended beyond the first rib in the axillary the medial aspect" of the shoulder joint. space. It wound around the cranial border b. The relatively large lateral branch, of the first rib coursing caudoventrally to after coursing laterally, entered the crani­ the interval between the Mm. subscapu­ olateral face of the M. supraspinatus laris and teres major, somewhat dorsal to where it released a twig to the shoulder the dorsal border of the M. pectoralis as­ joint. Its main continuation dipped into cendens, where it divided into two large the muscular belly of the M. supraspina­ terminal branches, the Truncus subscapu­ tus, and coursed directly dorsal towards laris and the A. brachialis. The axillary the origin of this muscle, where it again artery gave off the following branches: appeared superficially, ramifying in the 1. The A. thoracica externa-The ex­ fascia, skin and the cranial aspect of the ternal thoracic artery originated opposite scapular cartilage. the omocervical trunk (Truncus omocer­ 3. The A." cervicalis ascendens-The vicalis) and coursed caudoventrally be­ ascending cervical artery was the continu­ neath the M. pectoralis cleidoscapularis, ation of the omocervical trunk. It coursed supplying muscular rami to the M. brachi­ dorsad, contributing branches to the Mm. ocephalicus and finally ending in the su­ omotransversarius and brachiocephalicus perficial faces of the Mm. pectoralis as­ and the superficial cervical lymph nodes, cendens, pectoralis cleidoscapularis and and finally ramifying in the M. trapezius. pectoralis descendens. According to Hafferl5 the vessels of the 2. A small muscular branch arose at forearm can be classified phylogenetically the bifurcation of the axillary artery into into a superficial and a deep group. The the subscapular trunk and brachial artery. superficial arteries of the forearm, so im­ It passed craniad, supplying the origin of portant in the lower mammals, are re­ the M. coracobrachialis and the medial as­ placed by deep arteries in the higher mam­ pect of the shoulder joint. This branch was mals.a In this region, our endeavor was also seen to arise from the caudal cir­ limited to the deep group only, i.e., to the cumflex humeral artery. terminal branches of the brachial artery. Similarly, in the region of the metacar­ Truncus subscapularis pus, both on the dorsal and palmar sur­ The subscapular trunk arose as one of faces, the arterial supply was represented the terminations of the axillary artery. It by superficial and deep arteries. The su­ was a large trunk, passing dorsocaudally perficial and deep arteries of the respective for about 1.5 cm between the Mm. sub­ sides of the metacarpus were connected by scapularis and the teres major, before it Rami communicantes and were joined to­ slipped laterad between these muscles and gether near the fetlock joint. The deep was continued as the subscapular artery. arteries of the dorsal and palmar sides Originating from the subscapular trunk were connected by Rami perforantes, orig­ were: inating from the vascular arches which 1. The A. circumflex a humeri caudalis may either be complete or incomplete.!! -The large caudal circumflex humeral We agree with Habel4 (P. 112) and artery arose from the subscapular trunk quote: ''The complexity of the descrip­ near its origin. It passed distolaterally be­ tions of the small arteries and arches of tween the apposing borders of the Mm.

124 Iowa State University Veterinarian subscapularis and teres major along the branch originated from the deep brachial flexor surface of the shoulder and coursed artery, similar to the observations of De­ laterally behind the head of the humerus. VOS.3 During its course over the cranial It terminated into several branches be­ portion of the M. anconeus it detached to tween the heads of the M. triceps brachii the humerus the nutrient artery which and the M. brachialis. curved caudomedially between the appos­ a. The articular branch-This ing borders of the preceding muscle and branch, variable in origin, supplied the M. the M. triceps brachii. According to coracobrachialis and the medial aspect of Nickel,9 it gave off a Ramus communicans the shoulder joint. which extended to the flexor surface of the b. The Ramus proximalis-The prox­ elbow joint and joined the A. collateralis imal branch was the smaller terminal radialis distalis. branch of the caudal circumflex humeral 2. The A. subscapularis-The subscap­ artery coursing laterally between the long ular artery directly continued the Truncus head (Caput longum) and the lateral head subscapularis passing dorsocaudally be­ (Caput laterale) of the M. triceps brachii, tween the Mm. subscapularis and teres immediately beneath the apposing borders major, along the caudal border of the of the Pars scapularis and Pars acromialis scapula to the caudal angle of the scapular of the M. deltoideus. Here it turned di­ cartilage. Nickel9 stated that the sub­ rectly craniad beneath the Pars scapularis scapular artery, at the level of the distal of the M. deltoideus and approached the third of the scapula, gave off 3 vessels: caudolateral face of the M. teres minor (1) the A. thoracoacromialis; (2) the A. cir­ where it terminated into two branches, cumflexa scapulae cranialis; and (3) the supplying all three heads of the M. triceps Ramus muscularis tricipitis. According to brachii and the fascia and skin covering DeVos,3 the medial branch of the A. trans­ the area. versa scapulae was the A. thoracoacromia­ One of its branches continued dorsally lis. He further stated that Nickel9 mistak­ beneath the Pars acromialis of the M. del­ enly called this branch the A. thoracoacro­ toideus and ramified in the Mm. infraspin­ mialis arising from the A. subscapularis, atus, teres minor and both parts of the M. presumably because this artery, in the deltoideus. A small slender twig extended small ruminants, is rudimentary and often from the proximal ramus to the caudolat­ not very well injected. Arising from it dur­ eral aspect of the shoulder joint. Accord­ ing its course were: ing to Nickel,9 in a few cases it supplied the M. coracobrachialis. a. The Rami musculares-These c. The Ramus distalis (A. collateralis muscular branches arose approximately radialis proximalis)-The distal branch 1.5 cm following the departure of the was the direct continuation of the parent caudal circumflex humeral artery from the artery. According to DeVos,3 the Ramus parent trunk. They furnished the Mm. distalis of the A. circumflexa humeri cau­ subscapularis, teres major, and the long dalis, in exceptional cases, may originate head of the M. triceps brachii. One strong from the A. profunda brachii. It coursed branch pierced through the origin of the distocaudally in the space between the latter muscle from the caudal border of Mm. triceps brachii and brachialis and the scapula, passed beneath the Pars scap­ vascularized the lateral and long heads of ularis of the M. deltoideus to which it fur­ the M. triceps brachii and the Mm. brachi­ nished a twig, and later coursed towards alis and anconeus by means of several the vertebral border of the scapula, rami­ twigs. A small slender twig passed be­ fying within the M. infraspinatus. tween the insertion of the M. brachialis b. The A. circumflexa scapulae-The and the origin of the M. extensor carpi ra­ circumflex scapular artery was fairly large dialis, accompanying the Ramus superfici­ and originated from the cranial aspect of alis of the radial nerve, and was destined the subscapular artery. It extended be­ to supply the lateral aspect of the capsule tween the Mm. subscapularis and triceps of the elbow joint. In one case, the distal brachii (long head) to the caudal border of

Issue, No.3, 1967 125 Figure I. The arterial blood supply to the thoracic limb of the goat via axillary artery (A. axillaris): medial view (schematic) 1. Truncus omocervicalis 2. A. transversa scapulae 2'. Ramus medialis 2". Ramus lateralis 3. A. cervicalis ascendens 4. A. axillaris 5. A. thoracica externa 6. Truncus subscapularis 7. A. circumflex a humeri caudalis 7". Ramus 'distalis (= A. collateralis radialis proximalis) 1s··----~_.. S. A. subscapularis

IS------l~4~ S'. A. circumflexa scapulae 9. A. thoracodorsalis IS·=-----+---I 10. A. brachialis 11. A. circumflexa humeri cranialis '~~~~-----'m 12. A. profunda brachii tr----I-tiffl~+---18 13. A. collateralis ulnaris 14. A. cutanea antebrachii caudalis 15. A. collateralis radialis distalis 19------~~~V 15'. Ramus proximalis 1-~_#_-----"17 15". Ramus distalis 16. A. interossea communis 17. A. interossea caudalis ~------~tiln IS. A. interossea cranialis IS'. A. interossea recurrens 19. A. mediana 20. A. radialis 20:....·------t--rr.. 20'. Ramus carpeus dorsalis 21. Ramus profundus

21------\~fJJ 22. Arcus palmaris distalis superficialis 23. Ramus anastomoticus to Arcus palmaris dis· talis profundus 24. A. digitalis palmaris communis II _____Jhr------22 25. Aa. digitales II et III palmares propriae 23 26. A. digitalis palmaris communis III 24·------J'ttJUl-______26

:A.~~-----===--:2S

126 Iowa State University Veterinarian the scapula, where it divided into medial A. brachialis and lateral branches. The brachial artery was the direct con­ (1) The medial branch stretched tinuation of the axillary artery (A. axil­ between the costal (medial) surface of the laris) beyond the origin of the subscapular scapula and the M. subscapularis, supply­ trunk (Truncus subscapularis). It coursed ing several twigs to the latter and finally in company with the median nerve in splitting into two slender branches. One of front and the vein behind in the region of them coursed upwards and ramified the arm, lying at first between the M. within the cranial belly of the M. subscap­ coracobrachialis and the medial head (Ca­ ularis, while the other passed over the put mediale) of the M. triceps brachii. cranial border of the scapula and disap­ Subsequently, it lay between the M. biceps peared within the M. supraspinatus. brachii and the flexor surface of the elbow (2) The lateral branch continued joint, beneath the Mm. pectoralis descend­ between the caudal border of the scapula ens and pronator teres. ApprOximately 3 and the long head of the M. triceps bra­ cm below the elbow joint it released the chii, appearing on the lateral surface of common interosseous artery and contin­ the scapula. As it passed through this ued as the median artery. In the goat, De­ muscle it detached the nutrient artery to VOS3 described a Ramus circumflexus me­ the scapula CA. nutritia scapulae). Here it dialis arising mostly from the beginning of gave twigs to the M. infraspinatus and the brachial artery. Originating from the soon divided into ascending and descend­ brachial artery were the following: ing branches. The ascending branch 1. The A circumflexa humeri cranialis coursed craniodorsally in the infraspinous -The cranial circumflex humeral artery fossa between the bone and the M. infra­ arose from the cranial aspect of the par­ spinatus and ramified in the preceding ent artery opposite to the thoracodorsal muscle after splitting into several twigs. artery. However, DeVos3 asserted that the The descending branch passed craniodis­ A. circumflex a humeri cranialis usually tally below the acromion process, released originated, in small ruminants, from the twigs to the Mm. infraspinatus and teres thoracodorsal artery. It coursed craniad, minor, and finally entered the M. supra­ together with the Ramus muscularis prox­ spinatus. imalis n. musculocutanei, between the su­ 3. The A. thoracodorsalis-The thoraco­ perficial and deep portions of the M. cor­ dorsal artery arose from the caudal aspect acobrachialis and supplied the Mm. cora­ of the parent artery and passed caudodor­ cobrachialis, biceps brachii and pectoralis sally along the medial face of the Mm. cleidoscapularis and the medial aspect of teres major and latissimus dorsi. It finally the capsule of the shoulder joint. Accord­ split into two branches and disappeared ing to Nickel9 and Nickel and Wissdorf,lo the ascending branch of the cranial cir­ in the interstices of the M. latissimus cumflex humeral artery also vascularized dorsi, accompanying the thoracodorsal the tendon of the M. infraspinatus. It nerve. Nickelo stated that in two cases also gave off nutrient branches to the Sul­ this vessel arose from the A. circumflex a cus intertubercularis of the humerus be­ humeri caudalis. According to DeVos,:! low the tendon of the M. biceps brachii. the A. thoracodorsa:lis can originate from According to DeVos,3 a Ramus descendens the A. brachialis or near the bifurcation of is usually lacking in the goat, whereas the A. axillaris. In exceptional cases, the Nickel9 described two distal or descending thoracodorsal artery gave off the A. cir­ branches supplying the M. biceps brachii. 2. The Ramus muscularis-An incon­ cumflexa humeri cranialis. stant muscular branch, arising from the a. The Rami musculares-There were caudal aspect of the parent trunk, ex­ several muscular branches of variable size, tended upwards along the lateral face of supplying the Mm. pectoralis ascendens, the M. pectoralis ascendens and entered teres major and latissimus dorsi. the same close to its dorsal border.

Issue, No.3, 1967 127 3. The A. profunda brachii-The deep artery on the flexor surface of the elbow brachial artery was relatively strong, aris­ joint. It arose by a very short common ing from the caudal aspect of the parent trunk. After passing between the Mm. artery. It coursed somewhat caudally for coracobrachialis and biceps brachii, it split approximately 2.5 cm and then released a into a proximal and a distal branch. Oc­ few small branches to the medial and long casionally, these branches were also seen heads of the M. triceps brachii. Its main to arise independently, approximately 1.5 continuation passed along the flexor sur­ cm apart, directly from the brachial ar­ face of the shoulder joint, ending in the tery. Nickel9 stated that both branches long head of the M. triceps brachii. In one arose separately in about one-third of the instance, the proximal collateral radial cases. artery (distal ramus of the A. circumflexa a. The prOximal branch dipped be­ humeri caudalis) arose from the deep tween the Mm. coracobrachialis and bi­ brachial artery. ceps brachii, accompanying the Ramus 4. The Rami musculares-The muscu­ muscularis distalis n. musculocutanei. It lar branches, variable in number and size, ramified inside the preceding muscles and supplied the Mm. coracobrachialis, biceps the M. brachialis, and, according to brachii and the medial head of the M. tri­ Nickel,9 also the M. cleidobrachialis. ceps brachii. b. The distal branch passed laterally, 5. The A. collateralis ulnaris-The col­ deep to the insertions of the Mm. biceps lateral ulnar artery arose from the caudal brachii and brachialis. It appeared be­ aspect of the brachial artery at about the neath the origin of the M. extensor carpi level of the olecranon. It passed caudally, radialis, where it was related to the Ramus released a twig for the medial head of the profundus of the radial nerve. Here it gave M. triceps brachii, and divided into two off a relatively strong branch which soon slender branches. The ascending branch divided and entered the origin of the M. soon entered the long head of the M. tri­ extensor carpi radialis. It continued dis­ ceps brachii, while its descending branch tally between the preceding muscle and coursed towards the olecranon, furnishing the M. extensor digitorum (digitalis) com­ twigs to the preceding muscle and the munis (including the M. extensor digiti humeral and ulnar heads of the M. flexor III) and disappeared inside the belly of the carpi ulnaris. Slightly below the level of M. extensor carpi radialis. On its course it the olecranon an articular branch ex­ anastomosed with the recurrent interos­ tended from its termination to supply the seous artery off the A. interossea cranialis caudomedial aspect of the elbow joint. Ac­ and released branches in succession to the cording to Nickelo and Nickel and Wiss­ preceding muscle, Mm. extensor digitorum dorf,lo it also supplied the Mm. fiexor digi­ (digitalis) lateralis, and extensor digi­ talis superficialis and profundus, ancon­ torum (digitalis) communis (including the eus and tensor fasciae antebrachii. M. extensor digiti III). ,Nickel9 and Nickel 6. The A. cutanea antebrachii caudalis and Wissdorflo also observed an anasto­ -The caudal cutaneous art~rY of the fore­ mosis with the Ramus distalis of the A. arm arose 1 cm distal to "the preceding circumflexa humeri caudalis. artery from the caudal aspect of the par­ 8. The Ramus muscularis-Another ent artery. It stretched towards the ole­ long, delicate, inconstant, muscular cranon, accompanying the N. cutanelis branch arose slightly below the preceding antebrachii caudalis n. ulnaris and fur­ vessel from the cranial aspect of the par­ nished the M. pectoralis transversus, the ent artery, describing a bend along the in­ cutaneous muscle around the caudal as­ sertion of the M. biceps brachii. It finally pect of the elbow joint, and the fascia and entered the insertion of the M. brachio­ skin on the proximal third of the caudal cephalicus on the humerus. aspect of the forearm. 7. The A. collateralis radialis distalis­ A. interossea communis The distal collateral radial artery arose The common interosseous artery was from the cranial aspect of the brachial the last branch of the brachial artery (A.

128 Iowa State University Veterinarian brachialis) at the level of the proximal in­ eral aspect of the carpus and contributed terosseous space of the forearm. Close to twigs to the Rete carpi dorsale. The third its origin it split and gave off the following dorsal metacarpal artery (A. metacarpea branches: dorsalis Ill) descended in the dorsal longi­ 1. The Ramus articularis-Close to the tudinal vascular groove on the metacarpus origin, the parent trunk gave off a short. from the Rete caTP,i dorsale. This artery, articular branch which, after coursing near the proximal end of the metacarpus, dorsocaudally, furnished the mediocaudal received the proximal perforating branch aspect of the capsule of the elbow joint (Ramus perforans proximalis) extending and a small twig to the M. flexor carpi from the proximal (deep) palmar arch. radialis near its origin. From this arch the third palmar metacar­ 2. The Rami musculares-There were pal artery (A. metacarpea palmariS III) at least two muscular branches of variable also continued distally. Nickel9 described size. One was directed upward and back­ three deep volar metacarpal arteries and ward between the radial and humeral the proximal perforating metacarpal ar­ heads of the M. flexor digitorum (digitalis) tery as arising from this vascular arch. profundus and supplied the humeral and Near the middle of the metacarpus, a mus­ ulnar heads of the preceding muscle and cular branch arose from the continuation the M. ulnaris lateralis. The other branch of the radial artery which, after the con­ was relatively large, coursed a short dis­ fluence of the third palmar metacarpal tance and entered the interstices of the artery, gave off the nutrient artery to the Mm. flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digi­ metacarpus. On the dorsal aspect of the torum (digitalis) superficialis. Following fetlock joint the third dorsal metacarpal repeated branching it then disappeared in­ artery received the distal perforating side the preceding muscles. branch (Ramus perforans distalis) extend­ 3. The A. interossea caudalis-The cau­ ing from the distal (deep) palmar arch dal interosseous artery, near its origin, (Arcus palmaris distalis profundus). The gave off a long slender branch which vas­ third dorsal common digital artery (A. dig­ cularized the Mm. pronator teres and ra­ italis dorsalis communis III) gradually de­ dial head of the M. flexor digitorum pro­ scended over the dorsal aspect of the fet­ fundus. The main artery continued dis­ lock joint. Near the middle of the proxi­ tally inside the humeral head of the pre­ mal phalanx, it opened in the continuation ceding muscle and vascularized the same of the third common palmar digital artery to the distal third of the forearm, close to (A. digitalis palmaris communis III) the carpus. It communicated with the through the interdigital space. The third palmar branch of the cranial interosseous dorsal common digital artery released sev­ artery. In spite of Hafferl's5 assertion that eral twigs on its course to supply the fas­ the A. interossea volaris is present in the cia, skin and the tendon sheaths in the ruminants, Nickel9 and Nickel and Wiss­ region of the proximal and middle phal­ dorftO did not mention its presence in the anges (Ramus phalangis proximalis and goat. However, DeVos3 described its oc­ Ramus phalangis medii). It then de­ currence in all animals. scended as the dorsal proper digital ar­ 4. The A. interossea cranialis-The teries of the 3rd and 4th digits (Aa. digi­ cranial interosseous artery was relatively tales III et IV dorsales propriae). These large and pierced through the origin of the vessels were very delicate, coursing along radial head of the deep digital flexor mus­ the axial border of the interdigital surface cle. It courSed laterad through the proxi­ of the principal digits and could be traced mal interosseous space, and ran through for a short distance. the groove formed between the radius and The palmar branch of the cranial inter­ ulna distally beneath the M. abductor osseous artery passed through the distal primi (pollicis) longus. Near the distal ex­ interosseous space of the forearm and di­ tremities of the preceding bones it divided vided into a superficial and a deep branch. into a dorsal and a palmar branch. The The deep branch supplied the caudal as­ dorsal branch extended over the dorsolat- pect of the carpal joint. Nickelo observed,

Issue, No.3, 1967 129 _ --19

1e----20

20

2.,,----Ir-......

Figure 2. Arteries of the distal part of right tho­ racic limb of goat: dorsal view (schematic) 18". Ramus dorsalis of A. interossea cranialis 19. A. mediana 20. A. radialis 20'. Rami carpei dorsalia 26. A. digitalis palmaris communis III 28. A. digiti III dorsalis medialis 29. Ramus perforans proximalis 30. A. metacarpea dorsalis III 32. Ramus perforans distalis 33. Aa. digitales III et IV dorsales propriae 34. A. coronaria 39. Ramus palmaris 42. A. digiti IV dorsalis lateralis

"'- --28

1111..... ---14---26

39----'

130 Iowa State University Veterinarian in three cases, a communication between a common trunk from the parent vessel the Ramus volaris profundus and a branch during the latter's course through the of the A. medianoradialis. Its superficial proximal interosseous space of the fore­ branch emerged between the Mm. exten­ arm. They entered the nutrient foramen sor digitorum (digitalis) lateralis and ul­ located at the lower limit of the proximal naris lateralis along the lateral side of the interosseous space. accessory carpaI bone. Below the carpus, b. The A. interossea recurrens-The it detached a few cutaneous twigs to the recurrent interosseous artery originated lateral aspect of the carpal joint. Some of from the parent vessel as soon as it them were destined to end in the Rete emerged through the proximal interosse­ carpi dorsale and then continued distally. ous space of the forearm. It vascularized The latter vessel passed deep to the M. the Mm. extensor digitorum (digitalis) lat­ interosseus medius and supplied the same. eralis and extensor digitorum (digitalis) It then released a branch which anasto­ communis (including the M. extensor dig­ mosed with the deep branch of the radial iti III) by several twigs. It coursed cranio­ artery, thereby constituting the proximal dorsally towards the flexor surface of the (deep) palmar arch (Arcus palmaris proxi­ elbow joint where it anastomosed with the malis profundus), about 2.5 cm below the distal ramus of the distal collateral radial carpus, between the metacarpus and the artery (A. collateralis radialis distalis). preceding muscle. From this vascular Nickel and Wissdorf1o described an anas­ arch arose the third palmar metacarpal tomosis between the Ramus proximalis of artery (A. metacarpea palmaris III) which the A. interossea dorsalis with the muscu­ coursed through the palmar vascular lon­ lar branches of the A. collateralis- radialis gitudinal groove of the metacarpus and proximalis within the M. extensor digitalis communicated with a muscular branch communis. On its way it also released given off the continuation of the radial twigs to the craniolateral aspect of the artery. capsule of the elbow joint. From this vascular confluence arose the c. The Rami musculares-The mus­ nutrient artery of the metacarpus. Th_e cular branches were given off of the con­ third palmar metacarpal artery continued tinuation of the cranial interosseous artery distally and assisted in the formation of during its distal course through the bony the distal (deep) palmar arch (Arcus pal­ groove formed by the radius and ulna. maris distalis profundus) from which the They mostly furnished the Mm. abductor distal perforating branch (Ramus perfor­ primi (pollicis) longus and extensor digi­ ans distalis) extended. The latter artery torum communis (including the M. exten­ traversed the bony canal and opened in sor digiti III). the third dorsal metacarpal artery on the dorsal aspect of the fetlock joint. The A. mediana continuation of the palmar branch of the The median artery was the distal con­ cranial interosseous artery, after coursing tinuation of the brachial artery after the distally, passed along the deep face of the departure of the common interosseous ar­ M. interosseus medius. It joined the con­ tery at the proximal third of the forearm. tinuation of the third palmar digital artery It coursed distally beneath the M. pro­ and a branch from the continuation of the nator teres, accompanying the median radial artery, thus constituting the distal nerve, along the caudal aspect of the me­ deep palmar arch (Arcus palmaris distalis dial border of the radius. Near the middle profundus). The distal superficial palmar of the forearm it ran between the Mm. arch (Arcus palmaris distalis superficialis) flexor carpi radialis and the radial head was formed by the continuation of the su­ of the M. flexor digitorum (digitalis) pro­ perficial branch of the radial artery and fundus. It descended through the carpal the median artery. canal beneath the Retinaculum ftexorum a. The Aa. nutritiae radii et ulnae­ to the middle two-thirds of the metacarpal The nutrient arteries of the radius and region. There it formed the distal (super­ ulna were relatively large. They arose by ficialis) palmar arch (Arcus palmaris dis-

Issue, No.3, 1967 131 14-+---17

20 .....,..-+---18 ·..

Figure 3. Arteries of the distal part of right tho- racic limb of goat: palmar view (schematic) 17. A. interossea caudalis 18' n. Ramus palmaris of A. interossea cranialis 19. A. mediana 29 20. A. radialis 36 20'. Rami carpei dorsalia 21. Ramus profundus 22. Arcus palmaris distalis superficialis 23. Ramus anastomoticus to Arcus palmaris dis- talis profundus 24. A. digitalis palmaris communis II 44 25. Aa. digitales II et III palmares propriae 26. A.digitalis palmaris communis III 27. Rami communicantes 28. A. digiti III dorsalis medialis 22 29. Ramus perforans proximalis 37 32. Ramus perforans distalis 23 32 36. Arcus palmaris proximalis profundus 37. Arcus palmaris distalis profundus 24 40 38. Ramus pulvinus distalis 26 39. Ramus palmaris 25 41 40. A. digitalis palmaris communis IV 41. Aa. digitales IV et V palmares propriae 42. A. digiti IV dorsalis lateralis 43. Aa. digitales III et IV palmares propriae 44. A. metacarpea palmaris III 28 42 26

43

38 39

132 Iowa State University Veterinarian talis superficialis) by the confluence of the scribed by Gappert (1905) in the goat, as continuation of the radial artery. The referred to by DeVos.s According to Nickel combined trunk thus formed continued as and Wissdorf1o the Arcus volaris superfici­ the third common palmar digital artery alis was absent. (A. digitalis palmaris communis III). Dur­ e. The Ramus muscularis-Near the ing its course the median -artery gave off middle of the metacarpus another muscu­ the following branches: lar branch left the parent trunk and 1. The Rami musculares-A few twigs coursed between the bone and the M. in­ coursed to the radial head of the M. flexor terosseus medius to which it gave a few digitorum (digitalis) profundus. twigs. It received the confluence of the third 2. The A. radialis-The radial artery palmar metacarpal artery. The nutrient ar­ arose from the parent vessel approxi­ tery of the metacarpus arose from this con­ mately at the middle of the forearm and fluence and entered the metacarpus. descended between the caudal aspect of f. The Ramus cutaneus-A strong the medial border of the radius and the cutaneous branch arose at the level of the M. flexor carpi radialis. It continued dis­ preceding vessel, coursed along the super­ tally along the mediopalmar aspect of the ficial aspect of the flexor tendons and fin­ carpus, lying caudal to the cephalic vein. ally ramified in the fascia and skin of the Near the middle two-thirds of the meta­ adjoining area. carpus, it joined the parent vessel to con­ stitute the distal (superficial) palmar arch. A. digitalis palmaris communis III It released the following branches: The third common palmar digital artery a. The Rami musculares-Very small was the distal continuation of the median muscular twigs furnished the radial head artery beyond the distal (superficial) pal­ of the M. flexor digitorum (digitalis) pro­ mar arch .. It coursed distally, accompany­ fundus. ing the N. digitalis palmaris communis b. The Rami cutanei-A few twigs III. Between the accessory digits and near supplied the fascia and skin on the cranio­ the middle of the prOximal phalanx it gave medial and caudal aspects of the carpus. off a short common trunk supplying the Some of them also supplied the caudome­ second and fifth digits. Its continuation dial aspect of the capsule of the carpal passed through the interdigital space and joint. communicated with the third dorsal com­ c. The Ramus carpeus dorsalis-This mon digital artery (A. digitalis dorsalis branch arose at the palmar aspect of the communis III). This combined trunk, fol­ proximal extremity of the metacarpus and lowing a short course, divided into two soon divided into two branches. One of palmar proper digital arteries for the 3rd them ascended along the tendon of the in­ and 4th digits (Aa. digitales III et IV pal­ sertion of the M. abductor primi (pollicis) mares propriae). Each of these digital ar­ longus. The other was directed towards teries furnished twigs to the interdigital the dorsal aspect of the carpus. surfaces and finally split into three d. The Ramus profundus-A deep branches. They supplied the bulb or dig­ branch, arose approximately 2.5 cm below ital cushion (Ramus pulvinus distalis), the the carpus and coursed laterad between solar surface and the corium of the distal the metacarpus and the deep face of the phalanx (Ramus palmaris). Their condi­ M. interosseus medius to which it fur­ tion formed the terminal arch (Arcus ter­ nished a few twigs. Here it united with a minalis) inside the distal phalanx. During similar branch originating from the pal­ their course they further released the A. mar branch of the cranial interosseous ar­ coronaria which extended dorsad along tery to constitute the proximal (deep) pal­ the medial surface of the middle phalanx, mar arch. According to Nickelo the Aa. furnishing the fascia and skin of the metacarpicae volares profundae II, III et neighboring region. In agreement with IV and the A. metacarpica perforans proxi­ Nickelo and Nickel and Wissdorf10 Rami malis arose from this vascular arch. communicantes arose from the A. digitalis The A. radialis profunda was first de- palmaris communis III near the middle of

Issue, No.8, 1967 133 the proximal phalanx. They coursed the proximal phalanx, joined the Ramus across .the palmar surface, beneath the communicans of the A. digitalis palmaris flexor tendons, and finally joined the A. communis III. digiti III palmaris propria or the A. digiti IV palmaris propria. From the Rami com­ Part II. Pelvic Limb municantes arose the A. digiti III dorsalis The external iliac artery (A. iliaca ex­ medialis or the A. digiti IV dorsalis later­ terna), the parietal branch of the abdomi­ alis, respectively. nal aorta (Aorta abdominalis), arose in On its course the third common palmar common with the internal iliac artery digital artery released the following from the lateral surface of its parent ar­ branches: tery just ventral to the sixth lumbar verte­ 1. A branch, arising 1.5 cm below the bra and somewhat medial to the medio­ distal (superficial) palmar arch, coursed ventral border of the Spina iliaca ven­ downward and forward for a short dis­ tralis (tuber coxae). It coursed ventro­ tance and split into two. One was des­ caudally, paralleling the medial faces of tined to supply the medial aspect of the the Mm. psoas major and iliacus. It fetlock joint. The other (anastomotic passed through the triangular space branch) extended between the M. interos­ bounded by the cranial and caudal heads seus medius and the metacarpus. It joined of the M. sartorius, curved slightly caudo­ the third palmar metacarpal artery and laterad and coursed beneath the cranial the continuation of the palmar branch of border of the caudal head of the preceding the cranial interosseous artery at the distal muscle. Here it continued as the femoral (deep) palmar arch. From this vascular artery (A. femoralis). During its course arch arose the distal perforating branch the external iliac artery gave off the fol­ and a few twigs to the M. interosseus me­ lowing branches: dius. This branch was also seen to originate A. drcumHexa ilium profunda together with the second common palmar The deep circumflex iliac artery origi­ digital artery (A. digitalis palmaris com­ nated from the ventral surface of the ex­ munis II). ternal iliac artery approximately 3 cm 2. The A. digitalis palmaris communis caudal to the bifurcation of the preceding II-The second common palmar digital vessel from the abdominal aorta. It artery arose from the parent vessel and coursed ventrolaterad around the medio­ continued distally. Subsequently, the A. ventral border of the Mm. psoas minor and digitalis palmaris communis II split into iliopsoas. Mter approximately an inch it two palmar proper digital arteries of the divided into an a:scending and a descend­ second and third digits (Aa. digitales II et ing branch. III palmares propriae). Near the middle The ascending or cranial branch passed of the proximal phalanx the A. digiti III along the ventral aspect of the spaft of the palmaris propria joined the Ramus com­ ilium to which it furnished a small twig. municans of the A. diIPtalis palmaris com­ Near the ventral iliac spine it divided into munis III. This artery was seen to origi­ a proximal and a distal branch which vas­ nate with a branch mentioned previously. cularized the Mm. transversus abdominis, 3. The A. digitalis palmaris communis obliquus internus abdominis and obliquus IV-The fourth common palmar digital externus abdominis and, according to artery arose at a variable level from the Otto11 reached the dorsal border of the M. parent vessel in the distal third of the rectus abdominis. metacarpus. Thereafter, the A. digitalis The descending or caudal branch palmaris communis IV, near the lateral ac­ passed directly ventrad, left the abdominal cessory digit, divided into two palmar cavity between the Mm. iliacus and ob­ proper digital arteries of the 4th and 5th liquus internus abdominis and coursed to­ digits (Aa. digitales IV et V palmares pro­ gether with the N. cutaneus femoris later­ priae). The A. digiti IV palmaris propria alis on the medial face of the M. tensor coursed distally and, near the middle of fasciae latae. Approximately in the mid-

134 Iowa State Universi!y Veterinarian dle of the thigh it divided into at least a. The A. epigastric a caudalis-This three twigs. They mainly supplied the branch, the smaller of the two, coursed Mm. tensor fasciae latae, rectus femoris craniad, retroperitoneally, along the deep and vastus lateralis. A long, slender face of the M. rectus abdominis. It rami­ branch extended to the stifle and fur­ fied in this muscle and the M. transversus nished the Ln. subiliacus and, by means abdominis before it anastomosed with of numerous twigs, the connective tissue, twigs of the A. epigastrica cranialis. fat and skin over the cranial aspect of the b. The A. pudenda extern a-The ex­ thigh and craniomedial aspect of the stifle ternal pudic artery was the direct continu­ joint. ation of the pudendoepigastric trunk. It coursed ventrad and left the abdominal A. profunda femoris cavity through the inguinal canal at its The deep femoral artery arose from the caudomedial border. It lay caudad to its medial face of the external iliac artery as satellite vein, which, in turn, lay caudad to it entered the triangular space bounded by the spermatic cord. It coursed caudoven­ the cranial and caudal heads of the M. tromedially after leaving the inguinal ca­ sartorius, approximately 3 to 4 cm before nal. the latter vessel left the abdominal cavity According to Salamanca and Schwarz12 at the level of the cranial border of the the external pudic artery, in the female, pubis. It was directed caudad, passing into extended to the udder and here divided a triangular space below the pubic bone into two branches-a delicate A. mam­ whose outline was formed by the ventral maria medialis and the strong A. mam­ face of the M. obturatorius externus, the maria cranialis. Both vessels penetrated lateral face of the M. pectineus and the deep inside the udder tissue. The supra­ medial face of the M. iliopsoas. It mammary lymph nodes received branches coursed through this triangular space to from the A. mammaria medialis or from a the cranial face of the M. adductor. Here small artery which either extended di­ it terminated into several branches. Orig­ rectly from the A. pudenda externa or inating from the deep femoral artery were: from the A. mammaria medialis to the 1. The Truncus pudendoepigastricus­ caudomedial surface of the udder. Magil­ The pudendoepigastric trunk arose from tonS stated that the external pudic artery the ventral surface of the parent artery, formed several S-shaped curves above the approximately 2 cm distal to its origin. It udder. Two to four centimeters distal to coursed caudoventrally and divided into the external subcutaneous inguinal ring it two branches. gave off a small branch which supplied the Salamanca and Schwarz12 described supramammary lymph nodes and contin­ that, in the male, as a rule, the A. sper­ ued caudally as a perineal branch. The matica extern a (s. A. cremasteric a) arose parent vessel then turned cranially to con­ from the pudendoepigastric trunk which tinue as the A. mammaria. . In the male extended to the tunica vaginalis and the according to Magilton,8 the A. pudenda ex­ scrotum. It could also originate either terna resembled that of the female until from the A. profunda femoris, from the A. the perineal branch was given off. The epigastrica caudalis or from the A. pu­ latter vessel gave off a small branch uni­ denda externa. This vessel was absent in laterally, the A. urethralis, just caudal to the goat. Magilton8 related that the A. the sigmoid flexure of the penis which en­ spermatica externa was present in the tered the Corpus cavernosum urethrae. goat with a variable origin which supplied The parent vessel continued its dorso­ the M. cremaster externus. We observed caudal course to ramify in the perineal re­ this branch (A. cremasterica) to arise from gion. In three of the five specimens the A. the A. epigastrica caudalis and also from dorsalis penis originated unilaterally from the A. pudenda extrena and deep femoral the A. pudenda externa-two from the left artery, approximately 1.5 cm from its and one from the right side. The parent origin, and to supply the M. cremaster vessel was continued cranially as a medial externus. (preputial) branch and a lateral branch,

Issue, No.3, 1967 135 Figure 4. The arterial blood supply to the pelvic limb of the goat via external iliac artery (A. i1iaca externa): medial view (schematic) 1. A. illaca externa 2. A. circumflexa ilium profunda 2'_ Ramus ascendens 2". Ramus descendens 3. A. profunda femoris 4. Truncus pudendoepigastricus 4'. A. epigastrica caudalis 4". A. pudenda externa 5. A. cremasterica s. spermatica externa 6. A. circumflexa femoris medialis 6'. Ramus obturatorius 7. A. femoralis S. Truncus communis S'. A. femoris cranialis S". A. circumflex a femoris lateralis 9_ A. saphena 10. A. tarsea lateralis 11_ A. tarsea medialis 12. A. plantaris lateralis 13. A. plantaris medialis 14. Ramus perforans proximalis 15_ Ramus anastomoticus to Arcus plantaris prox- imalis profundus 16_ Ramus perforans distalis 17. Arcus plantaris distalis IS_ A. digitalis plantaris communis II 19. A. digitalis plantaris communis III 20. A. genus descendens 21. A. genus suprema 22. A. femoris caudalis 27':...·------Hi .....----'15 22'. Ramus ascendens 22". Ramus descendens 23. A. poplitea 24. A. tibialis caudalis ---·17 25. A_ tibialis cranialis 16------··----- .. ' IHt------19 26. A. nutritia tibiae 18------''"-.'' 27'. A_ metatarsea dorsalis III 28 . 2S. A. digitalis dorsalis pedis communis III

136 Iowa State University Veterinarian the A. epigastrica caudalis superficialis. pelvic limb, beyond the origin of the deep According to Otto11 the external pudic ar­ femoral artery. It passed beneath the lat­ tery in the male supplied the scrotum, pre­ eral face of the M. sartorius in the fe­ puce and the penis. moral triangle (Trigonum femorale), here 2. The A. circumflexa femoris medialis it coursed caudoventrad down the thigh -The deep femoral artery, following cranial to the insertion of the M. pectineus branching of the pudendoepigastric trunk, and the medial face of the M. vastus medi­ continued as the medial circumflex femo­ alis. As it reached the insertion of the M. ral artery. It continued caudolaterad pectineus, it curved slightly distolaterad through the M. adductor and between the around the caudal surface of the femur apposing faces of the Mm. semitendinosus beneath the distal end of the M. gracilis and gluteobiceps proximal to the Ln. pop­ and between the insertions of the Mm. liteus where it split into two branches to semimembranosus and adductor on the supply the preceding two muscles. During popliteal surface of the femur where the its course it gave off the following femoral artery continued between the two branches: heads of the M. gastrocnemius as the pop­ a. The Rami musculares-A slender liteal artery (A. poplitea). Arising from muscular ramus arose from the ventrome­ the femoral artery were: dial aspect of the deep femoral artery, ap­ 1. The Ramus muscularis-This slen­ proximately 3.5 cm distal to the origin of der muscular branch arose from the dor­ the pudendoepigastric trunk. It coursed sal surface of the parent artery approxi­ ventrad a short distance, supplied twigs to mately 1.5 cm from its origin. It coursed the M. pectineus and finally ramified in dorsocraniad to the ventral aspect of the the M. gracilis. M. iliopsoas. The second branch went to the Mm. 2. The Truncus commuis-This was a pectineus and adductor. very large vascular trunk, almost approxi­ b. The Ramus obturatorius-The ob­ mating the deep femoral artery in size. It turator ramus arose from the dorsal sur­ coursed laterad from the lateral surface of face of the parent vessel approximately at its parent trunk, 1 cm distal to the muscu­ the same level as the muscular rami. It lar ramus. It passed between the Mm. coursed dorsocraniad to the cranial border rectus femoris and vastus medialis near of the M. obturatorius externus, where it their origin for a short distance along with turned directly dorsad. Here it appeared the N. femoralis and divided into two on the pelvic surface of the pubis, where branches-the A. femoris cranialis and it supplied branches to the Mm. coccy­ the A. circumfiexa femoris lateralis. Be­ geus, levator ani and obturatorius in­ fore its terminal bifurcation two muscular ternus, and finally anastomosed with the rami arose from it which coursed distad very slender obturator artery (A. obtura­ and supplied the deep face of the Mm. rec­ tori a) arising from the internal pudic ar­ tus femoris and vastus medialis. tery (A. pudenda interna). In addition, a a. The A. femoris cranialis-The branch was detached to supply the cap­ cranial femoral artery arose as one of the sule of the hip joint. two terminations of the Truncus com­ c. The Rami musculares-Other munis, passing distomediad through the muscular branches were numerous and M. rectus femoris and eventually supplied arose from the parent artery in all direc­ the Mm. rectus femoris and vastus medi­ tions. They supplied the Mm. pectineus, alis by means of several twigs. gracilis, semimembranosus, adductor, b. The A. circumflexa femoris later­ semitendinosus, sartorius, quadratus fe­ alis-The lateral circumflex femoral ar­ moris, obturatorius externus, gemelli and tery was the other termination of the gluteobiceps. Truncus communis. It coursed craniad passing through the space ne'ar the origin A. femoralis of the Mm. rectus femoris and vastus me­ The femoral artery was the direct con­ dialis and eventually divided into three tinuation of the external iliac artery in the main branches. Its proximal branch

Issue, No.3, 1967 137 coursed dorsad following the origin of the supply the capsule of the tarsus, while a M. rectus femoris, supplied the deep face caudal branch coursed backward and ram­ of the M. gluteus profundus and finally ified in the fascia and skin surrounding terminated inside the M. gluteus medius. the tuber calcanei. It also furnished a few twigs to the Mm. a. The A. tarsea lateralis-The lat­ rectus femoris and vastus medialis on its eral tarsal artery was relatively short, course. The mildde branch passed laterad crossed along the caudal aspect of the and supplied the Mm. rectus femoris, tarsus and ramified on the fascia and skin vastus lateraiis and vastus intermedius. of the region. The distal branch was slender and contin­ b. The A. tarsea medialis-The me­ ued as the nutrient artery of the femur (A. dial tarsal artery was the distal continua­ nutritia femoris) and entered the nutrient tion of the saphenous artery. It formed a foramen on the cranial aspect of the prox­ short trunk which soon divided into medial imal third of the femur. and lateral plantar arteries at the level of 3. The Rami musculares-Other mus­ the sustentaculum tali. cular branches were variable in size and (1) The lateral plantar artery (A. origin, arising from the femoral artery plantaris lateralis) was a slender vessel during its distal course beyond the origin and accompanied the N. plantaris lateralis of the Truncus communis. These vascu­ passing obliquely outward beneath the larized the Mm. sartorius, gracilis, pectin­ flexor tendons and the Lig. plantare lon­ eus, vastus medialis, adductor and semi­ gum. Mter ga,ining the plantarolateral as­ membranosus. pect of the tarsus, at first it descended 4. The A. saphena-The saphenous ar­ along the lateral aspect of the plantar liga­ tery originated from the medial surface ment and later coursed in the groove of the femoral artery as the latter began to formed by the flexor tendons and the M. course beneath the cranial border of the interosseus medius. On the proximal third distal end of the M. gracilis. It accompan­ of the metatarsus it assisted in the forma­ ied the N. saphenus distally over the caud­ tion of the proximal (deep) plantar arch omedial surface of the thigh, between the (Arcus plantaris proximalis profundus) Mm. vastus medialis and the insertion of deep to the M. interosseus medius. It the pectineus and semimembranosus and coursed distally in the above mentioned gradually descended over the insertion of groove, released a few twigs on its course the M. semimembranosus, medial head of to furnish the preceding muscle and, near the M. gastrocnemius and the tendon of the fetlock joint, split into several twigs insertion of the M. semitendinosus. Near which mostly ramified on the lateral as­ the middle of the leg it was somewhat sub­ pect of the fetlock joint. Some of them cutaneous and lay cranial to the N. tibi­ also disappeared in the fascia and skin in alis, just in front of the Tendo calcaneus the region of. the lateral "dew claw" (5th communis. . Slightly below the tuber cal­ digit). A long slender branch extended canei the saphenous artery divided into mediad over the flexor tendons to partici­ two tarsal arteries. In its course it released pate in the formation of the distal plantar a branch to the Mm. gracilis and sartorius, arch (Arcus plantaris distalis). two branches cranially and a branch caud­ (2) The medial plantar artery (A. ally to furnish the fascia and skin of the plantaris medialis) was the stronger of the leg region. In addition, the saphenous ar­ two terminations of the medial tarsal ar­ tery gave off several small twigs to the tery (A. tarsea medialis) near the lower connective tissue and fat in the neighbor­ limit of the tuber calcanei. Approximately hood of the Tendo calcaneus communis 1 cm from its origin it gave off a delicate until its insertion on the tuber calcanei. twig which furnished the Lig. plantare On the medial aspect of the tarsus, close longum and the plantaromedial aspect of to its termination into medial and lateral the capsule of the tarsus. On its distal tarsal arteries, the saphenous artery gave course it released small twigs to supply the off a few strong branches. One cranial fascia and skin on the medioplantar as­ strong articular branch coursed deeply to pect of the tarsus. Approximately 1 cm

138 Iowa State University Veterinarian below the proximal extremity of the meta­ arch and was destined to supply the fascia tarsus the medial plantar artery joined the and skin around the lateral accessory digit, proximal perforating branch (Ramus per­ where it divided into two plantar proper forans proximalis) off the A. dorsalis pe­ digital arteries of the 4th and 5th digits dis. The combined trunk accompanied the (Aa. digitales IV et V plantares propriae). N. plantaris medialis. Close to its union, The A. digiti IV plantaris propria received it gave off a small branch coursing deep to the Ramus communicans arising from the the M. interosseus medius and anastomos­ A. digitalis plantaris communis III about ing with a similar branch off the lateral the middle of the proximal phalanx. plantar artery (A. plantaris lateralis) to According to Salamanca and constitute the proximal (deep) plantar Schwarz12 the A. digiti pedis V always ex­ arch (Arcus plantaris proximalis pro­ tended from the A. metatarsica plantaris fundus). According to Salamanca and medialis and the A. digiti pedis II could Schwarz12 a very delicate branch detached also branch from the A. metatarsica per­ to the Ligamentum tarsi plantare rectum forans or from the A. digiti pedis V. and to the Ligamentum collaterale laterale (5) The A. digitalis plantariS com­ longum and one of the twigs reached the munis III-The third common plantar dig­ joint capsule after coursing between both ital artery· continued this vascular arch these ligaments. From this vascular arch distally, accompanying the N. digitalis a very delicate branch CA. metatarsea plantaris communis III. Near the middle plantaris III) coursed distally in the vas­ of the prOximal phalanx it gave off a short cular longitudinal groove between the met­ trunk for both accessory digits. atarsus and the deep face of the M. inter­ Its main continuation gave off a osseus medius and opened in the distal few twigs to the interdigital surfaces of the perforating branch (Ramus perforans dis­ main digit during its course and joined taUs) off the A. metatarsea dorsalis III. the A. digitalis pedis dorsalis communis The medial plantar artery, during its distal III. course, released three to four twigs to sup­ Within the interdigital space, be­ ply the M. interosseus medius, sheaths of for its confluence, it gave off two' Rami the flexor tendons and the fascia around communicantes to the A. digiti III plan­ them. Approximately above the fetlock taris propria and A. digiti IV plantaris pro­ joint the medial plantar artery joined the pria. Before their opening in the above distal perforating branch to form the dis­ vessels, they released very delicate A. dig­ tal plantar arch (Arcus plantaris distalis) iti III pedis dorsalis medialis and A. digiti to which the lateral plantar artery (A. IV pedis dorsalis lateralis which descended plantaris lateralis) also contributed an along the dorsomedial and dorsolateral as­ anastomotic branch. pects of the respective digits. From the distal plantar arch the 5. The A. genus descendens-The de­ following branches were given off: scending genicular artery was fairly large (3) The A. digitalis plantaris com­ and arose from the cranial aspect of the munis II-The second plantar common femoral artery, approximately 3 cm distal digital artery arose as a slender branch to the origin of the saphenous artery. Ac­ from this vascular arch. It gave off twigs cording to Salamanca and Schwarz12 it to the ligaments of the medial accessory could also arise by a common trunk to­ digit and finally divided into two plantar gether with a muscular branch. It ex­ proper digital arteries of the 2nd and 3rd tended forward for a short distance and digits (Aa. digitales II et III plantares pro­ gave off a branch to vascularize the M. priae). The A. digiti III plantaris propria vastus medialis. It continued distally at received the Ramus communicans from first between the Mm. vastus medialis and the A. digitalis plantaris co~nmunis III semimembranosus and later lay between near the middle of the proximal phalanx. the aponeurotic insertion of the M. sartor­ (4) The A. digitalis plantaris com­ ius and insertion of the M. semimembran­ munis IV-The fourth plantar common osus. In its course it released several small digital artery also arose from this vascular twigs to the M. semimembranosus. About

Issue, No.3, 1967 139 .....- ...---25

...U ....ft---- 27

14---.

Figure 5. Arteries of the distal part of right pelvic limb of goat: dorsal view (schematic) 2-,..:----It--... 14. Ramus perforans proximalis 16. Ramus perforans distalis 19. A. digitalis plantaris communis III 25. A. tibialis cranialis 25'. Ramus cutancus of A. tibialis cranialis 27. A. dorsalis pedis 27'. A. metatarsea dorsalis III 28. A. digitalis dorsalis pedis communis III 29. A. digiti III pedis dorsalis medialis ...... ----16 31. A. digiti IV pedis dorsalis lateralis 32. Aa. digitales III et IV pedis dorsales propriae 40. Aa. digitales III et IV plantares propriae 28----t-...... 42. Ramus plantaris 43. A. coronaria

....---29 31---oJII ~+----19 32 _-==~~:l

43--....t.. ~---42

140 Iowa State University Veterinarian the upper limit of the tibial tuberosity it ing somewhat craniodistad and supplying gave off caudally a long slender branch the periosteum and the joint capsule of the coursing distally lying in front of the me­ stifle joint by means of several twigs. The dial femorotibial ligament. This branch main continuation of the proximal branch could be traced grossly to the distal attach­ vascularized the Mm. vastus lateralis and ment of the aforementioned ligament. gluteobiceps. The short distal branch Later, the vessel coursed downward and soon entered the lateral head of the M. forward and divided into a proximal and gastrocnemius, while the large distal a distal ramus. The proximal ramus branch extended superficially between the curved upward over the cranial aspect of two bellies of the M. gastrocnemius and re­ the stifle joint supplying its joint capsule leased numerous twigs on its course to and finally terminated within the insertion both parts of the preceding muscle. On its of the M. vastus medialis. Its distal ramus upper part it lay cranial to the Ln. poplit­ extended distally to a variable distance in eus. The large distal branch dipped near front of the aponeurotic insertion of the the middle of the leg, split into a few twigs M. sartorius on the tibia. and disappeared inside the M. flexor digi­ 6 .. The Rami musculares-The muscu­ torum (digitalis) superficialis. The large lar branches arose from the caudal aspect distal muscular branch was also seen to of the femoral artery, opposite to the ori­ originate from the popliteal artery at a gin of the descending genicular artery. lower level instead of from the caudal fe­ They were destined to supply the Mm. moral artery. semimembranosus and adductor. Another muscular branch, originating opposite the A. poplitea origin of the A. genus suprema, vascular­ The popliteal artery was the direct con­ ized inside the M. semimembranosus. tinuation of the femoral artery, as it 7. The A. genus suprema-This articu­ coursed between the two heads of the M. lar branch arose from the cranial aspect of gastrocnemius, after the departure of the the femoral artery approximately 2 cm caudal femoral artery. Close to its origin distal from the origin of the descending it released two to three twigs, one of which genicular artery. It passed downward and furnished the medial head of the M. gas­ forward\~etween the insertions of the Mm. trocnemius and the rest supplied the vastus medialis and semimembranosus for caudal aspect of the capsule of the stifle approximately 3 cm and divided mainly joint. Following a short course, approxi­ into two branches which, by repeated mately 2.5 em, it divided into two terminal branching, ramified on the joint capsule branches at the level of the caudal aspect of the medial aspect of the stifle joint. of the medial condyle of the femur (inter­ S. The A. femoris caudalis-The caudal condyloid fossa). femoral artery was a strong vessel arising 1. The A. tibialis caudalis-The caudal from the caudal aspect of the femoral ar­ tibial artery was the smaller termination tery before the latter coursed between the of the popliteal artery. Approximately 1 two heads of the M. gastrocnemius. Ac­ cm from its origin it gave off a relatively cording to Salamanca and Schwarz12 it large branch passing craniodistad to sup­ could also originate from the popliteal ar­ ply the Mm. popliteus and soleus. Subse­ tery which only in one case arose as a devi­ quently, it passed between the Mm. flexor ation from the medial circumflex femoral digitorum (digitalis) superficialis and pro­ artery. Following a very short course it di­ fundus, released a few twigs to the former vided into a proximal and distal branch. muscle and, following repeated branching, The proximal branch coursed upward and disappeared inside all the heads of the outward through the space bounded by the deep digital flexor muscle. Mm. semimembranosus, adductor and the 2. The A. tibialis cranialis-The cranial lateral head of the M. gastrocnemius. On tibial artery was the direct continuation of aFpearing on the lateral aspect of the dis­ the popliteal artery. During its course it tal third of the thigh it gave off a slender gave off a delicate twig to the M. popliteus branch, lying directly on the bone, cours- and passed deep to the preceding muscle.

Issue, No.3, 1967 141 Figure 6. Arteries of the distal part of right pelvic 13---'i~"" ~lf.if--- limb of goat: plantar view (schematic) 1*----12 9. A. saphena 10. A. tarsea lateralis ll. A. tarsea medialis LA~---33 12. A. plantaris lateralis 13. A. plantaris medialis 14. Ramus perforans proximalis 16. Ramus perforans distalis 17. Arcus plantaris distaIis superficialis 17'. Arcus plantaris distalis profundus IS. A. digitalis plantaris communis II 19. A. digitalis plantaris communis III 19'. Rami communicantes 29. A. digiti III pedis dorsalis medialis 30. Aa. digitales II et III plantares propriae 31. A. digiti IV pedis dorsalis lateral is 33. Arcus plantaris proximalis profundus 35. A. metatarsea plantaris III 37. A. digitalis plantaris communis IV 3S. Aa. digitales IV et V plantares propriae 41. Ramus pulvinus distalis 42. Ramus plantaris 17----r~~~----1 18---~~~~ ___ 37

19'

142 Iowa State University Veterinarian It pierced through the interosseous mem­ tremity of the metatarsus, where it joined brane of the leg (Membrana interossea cru­ the medial plantar artery. Before entering ris) and appeared on the lateral surface the bony canal the proximal perforating of the tibia. It released a long branch branch also released a few twigs to the which furnished twigs to the Mm. flexor Rete tarsi dorsale. After releasing the digiti primi (hallucis) longus, soleus and proximal perforating branch, the A. dor­ extensor digitorum (digitalis) lateralis. salis pedis extended through the dorsal Here, it also released an articular branch longitudinal vascular groove as the A. met­ which passed upwards to supply the lat­ atarsea dorsalis III and released twigs to eral aspect of the stifle joint. Later, it con­ supply the M. extensor digitorum (digi­ tinued between the two heads of the M. talis) brevis, to the fascia and tendon tibialis cranialis which was vascularized sheaths and the periosteum on the dorsal by several twigs: Finally, it terminated in aspect of the metatarsus. Approximately the bellies of the Mm. extensor digitorum at the middle of the metatarsus it gave off (digitalis) longus (including the M. ex­ the nutrient artery. Approximately 1.5 cm tensor digiti III) and the M. peroneus above the fetlock joint it gave off the distal tertius. perforating branch (Ramus perforans dis­ The cranial tibial artery continued dis­ talis) which, after traversing the bony ca­ tally between the Mm. tibialis cranialis nal, appeared on the plantar aspect of the and flexor digiti primi (hallucis) longus, metatarsus deep to the M. interosseus me­ lying directly on the tibia. Close to the dius, where it received the A. metatarsea origin of the preceding branch, within the plantaris III arising from the proximal proximal fourth of the tibia, it released (deep) plantar arch. The distal perforat­ the A. nutritia tibiae coursing along the ing branch wound around the flexor tend­ lateral border of the tibia and deep face of ons and here joined the medial plantar ar­ the M. extensor digitorum (digitalis) later­ tery (A. plantariS medialis) to constitute alis for approximately 4.5 cm and entered the distal plantar arch (Arcus plantaris the nutrient foramen of the tibia. Near the distalis). An anastomotic branch from the distal third of the leg, the cranial tibial ar­ lateral plantar artery also contributed to tery gave off, laterally, a long slender this vascular arch. branch which, following a course of 3 cm, The A. metatarsea dorsalis III de­ divided into a cutaneous branch supplying scended over the dorsal aspect of the fet­ the fascia and skin on the dorsolateral as­ lock joint and continued as the third dor­ pect of the tarsus and a deep branch con­ sal common digital artery (A. digitalis dor­ tributing in the formation of the Rete tarsi salis pedis communis III). Near the mid­ dorsale. It extended distally below the dle of the proximal phalanx it gave off a proximal extensor retinaculum (Retinacu­ short trunk which soon split and supplied lum extensorum proximale) and became the adjoining area and descended as the the A. dorsalis pedis opposite to talocrural dorsal proper digital arteries of the 3rd articulation. It released a strong branch on and 4th digits (Aa. digitales III et IV pedis the dorsal surface of the tarsus to consti dorsales propriae). These vessels were tute the Rete tarsi dorsale. According to very slender, coursing along the axial bor­ Salamanca and Schwarz12 this vascular der of the interdigital surface of the main twig could anastomose with the proximal digits and could be traced only for a short branch of the A. dorsalis pedis between the distance. According to Salamanca and proximal and distal transverse ligaments. Schwarz12 a common trunk arose which Approximately 2.5 cm distal to the preced­ extended plantaroproximally. This oc­ tng branch, the proximal perforating curred either immediately before the divi­ branch (Ramus perforans proximalis) sion or as one of the two arteries arising arose from the A. dorsalis pedis and from the A. digitalis pedis communis dor­ passed through the tarsal canal, bounded salis III, mostly the A. digiti pedis III lat­ by the fused second and third tarsals and eralis. This common trunk released three central and fourth tarsals, and appeared vessels: The A. digiti pedis IV lateralis, on the plantar aspect of the proximal ex- the A. digiti pedis III medialis and a

Issue, No.3, 1967 143 branch, after dividing into medial and lat­ logical study relative to the blood vessels eral branches, formed a vascular network of both thoracic and pelvic limbs, some of in the neighborhood of the accessory dig­ the arteries, according to their topographY, its. In one specimen, according to them, were partly renamed. The vessels consti­ the A. digiti pedis IV lateralis did not sep­ tuting various vascular arches and anasto­ arate from the common vascular trunk, moses in both limbs were described in de­ but from the A. digitalis pedis communis tail. dorsalis III shortly before its branching. Slightly below this common trunk, the BIBLIOGRAPHY third dorsal common digital artery re­ 1. Baum, H., Die Benennung der Hand-und 'Fuszar­ terien des Menschen und der Haussaugetiere. ceived the continuation of the A. digitalis Anat. Anzeiger, 31:428-448, 1907. 2. Bolk, L., GOl'pert, E., Kallius, E., and Lubosch, plantaris communis III through the inter­ W., Handbucn der 1Jergleichenden Anatomie der Wirbeitiere, VI. Band, Berlin, Wien, Urban und digital space. Following a course of 1.5 Schwarzenberg, 1933. 3. DeVos, N. R., Vergleijkende Studie van de Ar­ cm inside the interdigital space, it divided teries van het Voorste Lidmaat bij de Huisdieren, into two proper digital arteries (Aa. digi­ Onderzoek uitgevoerd onder subsidiering van het N.F.W.O., 1965. tales III et IV plantares propriae) of the 4. Habel, R. E., Guide to the dissection of the do­ mestic ruminants, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Distrib­ principal digits. They, in turn, furnished uted by Edwards Brothers, Inc., 1964. 5. HafFerl, A., Das Arteriensystem, in Bolk, L., Gop­ twigs to the interdigital surfaces and fin­ pert, E., Kallius, E., and Lubosch, W.\ Handbuch der 1Jergleichenden Anatomie der Wiroeltiere VI. ally terminated into three branches. They Band, Berlin, Wien, Urban und Schwarzenb erg, 1933. supplied the bulb or digital cushion (Ra­ 6. HafFerl, A., Lehrbuch der topographischen Anat­ omie, 12th edition, Berlin, Gottingen, Heidelberg, mus pulvinus distalis), the solar surface Springer Verlag, 1957. and the corium of the distal phalanx 7. Koch. T., Lehrbuch der Veteriniir-Anatomie, Band III: Die grossen Versorgnngs und Stenernngssys­ (Ramus plantaris). Their continuation teme, Jena, Germany, Veb Gustav Fischer Verlag, 1965. formed the terminal arch (Arcus termin­ 8. Magiiton, J. H., Blood supply to the genitalia and accessory genital organs of the goat. Ames, Iowa, alis) inside the distal phalanx. During Unpublished M.S. thesis, Iowa State University Library, 1964. their course they further released the A. 9. Nickel, W., Arterien und Venen der Vorderglied­ masse der Ziel(e. Dissertation, Hannover, Ger­ coronaria which coursed dorsad along the many, Tierarztliche Hochschule. 1962. medial aspect of the middle phalanx, sup­ 10. Nickel. R., and Wissdorf, H., Vergleichende Be­ trachtung der Arterien an der Schulterglied­ plying the fascia and skin of the adjoining masse der Hanssangetiere (Katze, Hund, Schwein, Rind, Schaf, Ziege, Pferd), Zentralblatt fiir Vet­ region. eriniirmedizin, Reihe A. 11(3):265-292, 1964. 11. Otto, E., Arterien der Korperwand der Zieo;:e, Dis­ sertation, Hannover, Germany, Tierarztllche SUMMARY Hochschule, 1961. 12. Salamanca, M. E. De. and Schwarz, R., Die Ar­ terien an der Beckenglledmasse der Zieo:e. The arterial blood supply of the thoracic Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift, Festschrift and pelvic limbs of the goat (Capra hircus) Professor Schreiber. 102-114. 1960. 13. Wilkens. H.. Arterien des Unterarmes in verg­ have been described. The observations leichender Betr:>.chtung beim Mens

144 Iowa State University Veterinarian