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Journal of anatomy1978; 127(Pt 2); 403-414;

The mean fibre area of the semitendinosus, diaphragm and pectoralis transversus muscles in differing types of horse and dog.

Abstract: The mean fibre areas of samples from m. semitendinosus, m. diaphragma and m. pectoralis transversus of thoroughbred horses and greyhounds have been compared with those in similar samples from other members of their species. Athletes (greyhounds and thoroughbreds) have larger fibres in the semitendinosus and diaphragm than their fellows. However, the mean area of pectoralis transversus is similar in the two types of animal within each species. During growth the mean fibre areas increase to a greater extent in athletes than in non-athletes. Detraining adult greyhounds for a period of one year did not signficantly alter the fibre area; nor were any sex differences detected. Although the mean fibre area of corresponding muscles is significantly larger in horses than in dogs, the difference is proportionately less than that of their live weights.
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Publication Date: 1978-10-01 PubMed ID: 721700PubMed Central: PMC1235780
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article

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 paper explores the difference in muscle fibre size in athlete (thoroughbred horse and greyhound) and non-athlete species, observing that the muscle fibre area tends to increase more in athletic individuals during growth and that it remains relatively unchanged even after a year of detraining.

Comparative Study of Muscle Fibre Size in Athlete and Non-athlete Species

  • The study collected and compared muscle samples from the semitendinosus, diaphragm, and pectoralis transversus of thoroughbred horses and greyhounds, classified as athletes, to similar samples from non-athlete members of their species.
  • Findings reveal that these athlete animals possess larger fibres in their semitendinosus and diaphragm muscles. However, the mean area of the pectoralis transversus muscle remained similar across the two types of each species.
  • The study emphasizes the impact of athleticism on muscle fibre size, as the growth phase showed a greater increase in fibre area in athletes than non-athletes.

Effect of Detraining and Lack of Sex Differences

  • The research also monitored the changes in muscle fibre area in greyhounds after one year of detraining. The results indicated no significant alteration in muscle fibre area, demonstrating a certain level of muscle fibre stability in athletic species regardless of their athletic training status.
  • The study also attempted to identify differences in muscle fibres between male and female athletic animals. However, no significant sex-based differences in muscle fibre area were detected.

Differences in Muscle Fibre Size between Horses and Dogs

  • Further comparison of the mean muscle fibre area between horses and dogs showed that corresponding muscles are significantly larger in horses. This result correlates with the general understanding of the size differences between these species.
  • However, the proportional difference in muscle fibre size was found to be less than the difference in the live weights of the animals, introducing a new perspective on the relation between muscle fibre size and overall body size.

Cite This Article

APA
Gunn HM. (1978). The mean fibre area of the semitendinosus, diaphragm and pectoralis transversus muscles in differing types of horse and dog. J Anat, 127(Pt 2), 403-414.

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 0021-8782
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 127
Issue: Pt 2
Pages: 403-414

Researcher Affiliations

Gunn, H M

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Body Weight
    • Diaphragm / anatomy & histology
    • Dogs / anatomy & histology
    • Female
    • Horses / anatomy & histology
    • Male
    • Muscles / anatomy & histology
    • Pectoralis Muscles / anatomy & histology

    References

    This article includes 12 references
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    Citations

    This article has been cited 4 times.
    1. Latorre R, Gil F, Vázquez JM, Moreno F, Mascarello F, Ramirez G. Morphological and histochemical characteristics of muscle fibre types in the flexor carpi radialis of the dog. J Anat 1993 Jun;182 ( Pt 3)(Pt 3):313-20.
      pubmed: 8226286
    2. Aquin L, Banchero N. The cytoarchitecture and capillary supply in the skeletal muscle of growing dogs. J Anat 1981 May;132(Pt 3):341-56.
      pubmed: 7298487
    3. Aquin L, Lechner AJ, Sillau AH, Banchero N. Analysis of the shape changes of muscle fiber cross sections in guinea pigs raised at 22 degrees C and 5 degrees C. Pflugers Arch 1980 Jun;385(3):223-8.
      doi: 10.1007/BF00647461pubmed: 7190684google scholar: lookup
    4. Kuzon WM Jr, Rosenblatt JD, Pynn BR, Marchetti PJ, Plyley MJ, McKee NH. A comparative histochemical and morphometric study of canine skeletal muscle. Can J Vet Res 1989 Apr;53(2):125-32.
      pubmed: 2523755
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