Educational resource developed at the Veterinary Anatomy Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Bareilly.
📝 STANDARD DESCRIPTION:
Type: Intrinsic, Scapulohumeral (Medial)
Origin: Coracoid process of scapula (medial to supraglenoid tubercle)
Insertion: Medial surface of humeral shaft, distal to lesser tubercle
Function: Adducts arm and flexes shoulder.
📚 DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
THE MEDIAL STABILIZER
Arises from the coracoid process (a medial bony prominence of the scapula), giving it a medial-anterior line of pull.
COURSE: Runs along the medial aspect of the humerus, deep to the pectoral muscles but superficial to the brachial vessels and nerves in the proximal arm region.
FUNCTIONAL ROLE: Primarily adducts the arm (prevents abduction) and assists in shoulder flexion. Acts as a medial bracing muscle during the stance phase, preventing lateral deviation of the limb.
NERVOUS RELATIONSHIP: Innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve; often used as a surgical landmark to locate this nerve during axillary approaches.
// COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
| DOG |
Two heads common; more significant for shoulder flexion. |
| HORSE |
Similar single head anatomy; less bulky than in ox. |
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Axillary Approach: Retracted laterally during approaches to axillary vessels; protects brachial plexus roots.
