Forelimb Anatomy: Blood and Nerves

Question 1

Describe the proximal forelimb blood supply

Answer 1

○ Aorta –> brachiocephalic a. –> subclavian a. –> axillary a. –> subscapular a. –> brachial a. –> median artery
○ Median a. (proximal to carpus)
§ Medial palmar artery
§ Lateral palmar artery
§ Radial artery

Question 2

Describe the mid-forelimb blood supply

Answer 2

○ Distal to carpus, lateral palmar a. gives off branch that joins with radial a.
§ Subcarpal arch (deep palmar arch)
○ Subcarpal arch –> medial and lateral palmar metacarpal arteries
§ Run between splint bones and MCIII

Question 3

Describe the distal forelimb blood supply

Answer 3

○ Medial palmar artery (proximal to fetlock) –> medial and lateral palmar digital arteries
§ Digital pulse
Palmar metacarpal aa. And lateral palmar a. join lateral palmar digital a. proximal to fetlock…

Question 4

Describe the proximal forelimb motor nerves

Answer 4

○ Brachial plexus (ventral branches C6-T2)
§ Suprascapular n.
□ Lateral scapular muscles
§ Axillary n.
□ Shoulder flexors
§ Musculocutaneous n.
□ Elbow flexors
§ Radial n.
□ Upper limb extensors
§ Median and ulnar nn.
□ Upper limb flexors

Question 5

Describe mid-forelimb sensory nerves

Answer 5

○ Median nerve (proximal to carpus) –> medial and lateral palmar nerves
§ Run between suspensory and flexors

Communicating branch between medial and lateral palmar nn. In mid-cannon

Question 6

Describe distal forelimb sensory nerves.

Answer 6

○ Lateral palmar nerve (distal to carpus) gives off branch –> medial and lateral palmar metacarpal nerves
§ Run between MCII and suspensory
○ Palmar nn. (proximal to fetlock) –> medial and lateral palmar digital nerves

Question 7

Describe VAN

Answer 7

○ Dorsal –> Palmar
§ Vein
§ Artery
§ Nerve

Question 8

What are the helpful naming hints for nerves and arteries

Answer 8

○ Is it medial or lateral? –> add medial or lateral
○ Is it distal to carpus and palmar –> add palmar
○ Is it directly against MCII –> add metacarpal
○ Is it as distal to fetlock –> add digital
○ Is it an artery or a nerve –> add artery or nerve

Question 9

make sure to study blood and nerves on paper!