An analogous arrangement is met with in animals. But the muscular prominence is formed by the united radial extensors, and the fossette, because of the permanent pronation of the forearm, is scarcely recognisable. Likewise, with regard to the dog, we may say that it does not exist, on account of the prominence which the epicondyle forms in that animal ([Fig. 73], 7).
In connection with this prominence of the epicondyle, it is interesting to add that this detail recalls the relief which the same process produces on the external aspect of the human elbow when the forearm is flexed on the arm. We know that, in this case, the epicondyle is exposed, because the muscles which mask it in supination (long supinator and long radial extensor) are displaced and set it free during flexion. But, in the dog, as in other quadrupeds besides, the forearm is, in the normal state, flexed on the arm; the latter being oblique downwards and backwards, and the former being vertical. Further, the epicondyle is well developed.
The muscle with which we are now occupied, long and vertical in direction, arises from the inferior part of the external border of the humerus (there it is covered by the anterior extensor of the metacarpus, from which it is freed a little lower down) and from the external and superior tuberosity of the radius. In the carnivora, it arises from the epicondyle. Its fleshy body is fusiform in shape, becomes tendinous in the lower half of the forearm, and then divides into a number of slips, varying in number according to the species; this division is correlated to that of the hand—that is to say, with the number of the digits. Before reaching this latter, the common extensor of the digits passes through the most external groove on the anterior surface of the inferior extremity of the radius.
Fig. 75.—Myology of the Horse: Left Anterior Limb, External Aspect.
1, Mastoido-humeral; 2, pectoralis major; 3, deltoid; 4, brachialis anticus; 5, triceps, long head; 6, triceps, external head; 7, olecranon; 8, radial extensors (anterior extensor of the metacarpus); 9, insertion of the tendon of the anterior extensor of the metacarpus into the tubercle of the superior extremity of the principal metacarpal; 10, extensor communis digitorum (anterior extensor of the phalanges); 11, tendon of the anterior extensor of the phalanges; 12, reinforcing band arising from the suspensory ligament of the fetlock; 13, external tuberosity of the superior extremity of the radius; 14, extensor minimi digiti (lateral extensor of the phalanges); 15, tendon of the lateral extensor of the phalanges; 16, fibrous band which this latter receives from the tendon of the anterior extensor of the phalanges; 17, fibrous band which the same tendon receives from the carpal region; 18, posterior ulnar (external flexor of the metacarpus); 19, pisiform; 20, extensor ossis metacarpi pollicis and extensor primi internodii pollicis (oblique flexor of the metacarpus); 21, ulnar portion of the deep flexor of the digits; 22, flexor digitorum profundus; 23, 23, tendon of the flexor digitorum sublimis (superficial flexor of the phalanges); 24, 24, tendon of the flexor digitorum profundus (deep flexor of the phalanges); 25, sesamoid prominence; 26, suspensory ligament of the fetlock; 27, external rudimentary metacarpal.
In the cat and the dog, the four tendons which result from the division of the principal tendon go to the four last digits, and each of them is inserted, as in the human species, to the second and third phalanges.
In the pig, the anterior extensor of the phalanges is rather complicated in its arrangement. Its fleshy body is divided into four bundles terminated by tendons, which in turn divide and join certain digits; whence the special names given to each of these fasciculi, commencing with the most internal, of: proper extensor of the great inner toe; common extensor of the two inner toes; common extensor of the two outer toes; and proper extensor of the great outer toe.