Anatomical study of fore limb extensor and flexor tendons below the carpal joint in Iraqi goats (Capra Hircus)

Abstract

The present work includes the anatomical study of forelimb below the carpal joint in Iraqi goat. It was performed on (10) forelimbs of five Iraqi healthy goats, with no history of lameness and without local swelling or joint distension. Results showed the limbs of goat comprise of extensor and flexor tendons. Extensor tendon was located on the dorsal surface of the limb and no communication between the medial and lateral extensor tendons. The common extensor tendon in a goat was divided into two branches in the distal region of the metacarpal bone, one for each digit continues and inserted in the phalanx III (PIII). The medial and lateral extensor digital tendon was inserted on the proximal extremity of phalanx II (PII). While the flexor tendons located on the palmar surface of the limb upon the suspensory ligament. Superficial digital flexor tendon inserted on the palmar surface of (PII), while deep digital flexor tendon continues on the (PII) and inserted on the flexor surface of (PIII).