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Journal of anatomy2007; 210(1); 32-40; doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00669.x

Muscle architecture of biceps brachii, triceps brachii and supraspinatus in the horse.

Abstract: Three muscles from the proximal equine forelimb were dissected in order to investigate their potential to contribute to proximal limb mechanics. Muscle mass, fibre length, tendon mass and tendon length were measured from biceps brachii, triceps brachii, supraspinatus and lacertus fibrosus (biceps lateral head mass 171-343.4 g and fibre length 0.5-0.8 cm; biceps medial head mass 283-500 g and fibre length 2.2-4 cm; biceps tendon mass 121.8-260 g and tendon length 35-44 cm; triceps long head mass 3200-6663 g and fibre length 19-26.3 cm; triceps lateral head mass 513.8-1240 g and fibre length 17.5-24 cm; triceps medial head mass 85.2-270.6 g and fibre length 9-16.8 cm; supraspinatus mass 793-1546 g and fibre length 4.7-12.4 cm; lacertus fibrosus mass 4.6-12.4 g and length 10-16 cm). Physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) and maximum isometric force were estimated for each muscle, and moment arm measurements were taken at the shoulder and elbow joints. Biceps has a greater isometric force-generating capacity than supraspinatus. It also appears to have a larger shoulder moment arm, so could therefore have the potential to make a greater contribution to the shoulder moment than supraspinatus. Supraspinatus is likely to function primarily as a shoulder stabilizer rather than a shoulder extensor. Biceps also functions as an elbow flexor and data here indicate that it has a greater PCSA and isometric force-generating capacity than its antagonist triceps brachii. Calculation of tendon forces showed that the biceps tendon can withstand much greater forces than lacertus fibrosus. This study will enable further investigation into the interaction between energy recycling in elastic tissues and the generation and absorption of mechanical work by adjacent muscle groups in the equine forelimb.
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Publication Date: 2007-01-19 PubMed ID: 17229281PubMed Central: PMC2100266DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00669.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article explores the composition and functionality of three muscles in the horse’s front limb, namely the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and supraspinatus, with a focus on their potential to contribute to the mechanics of this limb.

Objective and Methodology

  • The aim of the study was to investigate the attributes and potential contributions of three muscles – biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and supraspinatus – to the mechanics of a horse’s proximal forelimb.
  • The researchers dissected these muscles from the proximal equine forelimb and measured their muscle mass, fibre length, tendon mass, and tendon length.
  • The physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) and maximum isometric force were also estimated for each muscle to provide insight into their strength and functionality.
  • Additionally, measurements of the moment arms were taken at the shoulder and elbow joints to understand their contribution to these joints’ movements.

Findings

  • The biceps brachii demonstrated a greater capacity for isometric force-generation than the supraspinatus, and a larger shoulder moment arm. This suggests that it could potentially make a bigger contribution towards the movement (or moment) of the shoulder than the supraspinatus.
  • The study suggests the supraspinatus likely serves mainly as a stabilizer for the shoulder, rather than a shoulder extensor, due to its smaller capacity for force generation and movement contribution.
  • The biceps brachii was also found to function as an elbow flexor and showed a greater PCSA and force-generating capacity than the triceps brachii, implying that it could impact the flexion and movement of the elbow more than the triceps brachii.
  • Tendon force calculations revealed that the biceps tendon is capable of withstanding much greater forces than the lacertus fibrosus, the broad, flat tendon of the biceps brachii.

Impact of the Study

  • This work sets the foundation for further research into how energy recycling in elastic tissues interacts with the generation and absorption of mechanical work by adjacent muscle groups in the horse’s forelimb.
  • Understanding these specific muscle groups’ roles, strengths, and interactions could be particularly useful for equestrian sports, veterinary care, and equine physiotherapy.

Cite This Article

APA
Watson JC, Wilson AM. (2007). Muscle architecture of biceps brachii, triceps brachii and supraspinatus in the horse. J Anat, 210(1), 32-40. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00669.x

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 0021-8782
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 210
Issue: 1
Pages: 32-40

Researcher Affiliations

Watson, J C
  • University of Manchester, Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester, and Structure and Motion Laboratory, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Middlesex, UK. johanna.watson@manchester.ac.uk
Wilson, A M

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Biomechanical Phenomena
    • Forelimb
    • Hindlimb
    • Horses / anatomy & histology
    • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / ultrastructure
    • Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology
    • Tendons / anatomy & histology

    Grant Funding

    • BB/E013244/1 / Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 16 times.
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    2. van Bijlert PA, Geijtenbeek T, Smit IH, Schulp AS, Bates KT. Muscle-Driven Predictive Physics Simulations of Quadrupedal Locomotion in the Horse. Integr Comp Biol 2024 Sep 27;64(3):694-714.
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