Anatomical Study of Extrinsic and Some Intrinsic Muscles of the Thoracic Limb in Iranian Pine Marten (Martes Martes): A Case Report

The study of myology is relevant for both functional understanding of and distinguishing different species. The pine marten (Martes martes) is a small carnivore found in Europe and Western Asia and belongs to the Mustelidae family. For the purpose of this study, a fresh carcass which was found in the hunters’ trap, was brought to the anatomy hall of veterinary faculty, for anatomical studies. After the routine preparation of the specimen, extrinsic muscles of forelimbs and intrinsic muscles situated on the shoulder and brachium regions were studied by gross dissection. Here we aim to describe the morphology of extrinsic as well as shoulder and brachium muscles of pine marten forelimb and compare them to the other carnivores. Overall, our findings indicated that forelimb muscles in pine marten are highly conservative. However, some significant differences in origin, insertion and the number of sections were observed in some muscles. These results will be useful for comparative myological studies of Mustelidae family and other carnivores. Meanwhile, further studies with more samples are needed to present clear information for Mustelidae family.