Dominic Stone
The brachiocephalic muscle, also known as the brachiocephalicus, is a long, flat muscle found in the necks of animals with four legs, such as horses and canines. It is a superficial muscle that plays a crucial role in shoulder and front limb movement, as well as lateral flexion. The brachiocephalic muscle is responsible for advancing the foreleg and extending the shoulder joint during motion. In horses, this muscle can be susceptible to strain due to various factors, including poor posture, anatomical abnormalities, and improper training.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Underside of the horse's neck, from the mastoid process of the temporal bone to the deltoid tuberosity and crest of the humerus |
| Structure | Incompletely divisible into two parts: the Cleidocephalicus and the Cleidobrachialis |
| Origins | Two: the first attaches at the mastoid process and nuchal crest of the skull, and the second at the Omotransversarius, the wing of atlas, and the transverse processes of C2-C4/C5 |
| Insertion | Superficial pectoral onto the deltoid tuberosity and crest of the Humerus (shoulder joint) |
| Function | Proper shoulder and front limb action, lateral flexion, and advancing the foreleg and extending the shoulder joint when the foreleg is in motion |
| Nerve | Accessory nerve, a cranial nerve that controls the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles |
| Artery | Brachiocephalic artery, which carries oxygenated blood to the upper right side of the body |
| Strain Causes | Poor posture, anatomical variations and abnormalities, pull back on the halter, kick or bites, injury, over-use, and lack of oxygen |
| Animal Species | Found in animals that run on four legs, except horses; divided into three portions in carnivores |
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What You'll Learn
The brachiocephalic muscle in horses
The brachiocephalic is a long, superficial muscle located on the underside of a horse's neck. It is made up of two parts: the cleidocephalicus and the cleidobrachialis. The first part of the muscle, the cleidobrachialis, connects from the crest of the humerus to the clavicle. The cleidocephalicus then connects up to the back of the head and the first few cervical vertebrae.
The brachiocephalic muscle is extremely important for proper shoulder and front limb action, as well as lateral flexion. It acts as an antagonist to the trapezius cervicus. The primary function of the brachiocephalic muscle is to advance the foreleg and extend the shoulder joint when the foreleg is in motion. When contraction occurs on only one side, the head and neck are moved to that side.
The brachiocephalic muscle is often under strain in horses. This can be caused by poor posture, anatomical abnormalities, improper training, trauma, or neurological deficits. Horses with poor posture often use their necks to balance, which can lead to the development of an 'ewe neck' or 'upside-down neck'. Anatomical variations, such as a narrowed space between the brachiocephalic and trapezius cervicus muscles, can limit the 'freedom of the shoulders' and front limb mobility. Abnormalities in the vertebral column, such as C6-C7 malformation, arthritis, scoliosis, and recessed ribcage, can also cause strain and hypertrophy of the brachiocephalic muscle.
Additionally, the brachiocephalic muscle can be impaired by a pull back on the halter, kicks, or bites, which can result in scars and tears. Understanding the brachiocephalic muscle and its functions is crucial for helping horses regain awareness and function in their thoracic sling and topline muscles.
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The brachiocephalic muscle in canines
The brachiocephalic muscle is supplied with blood by the brachiocephalic artery and is innervated by an accessory nerve, which is a cranial nerve controlling the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. The primary function of the brachiocephalic muscle is to advance the foreleg and extend the shoulder joint when the forelimb is in motion. When contraction occurs on only one side, the head and neck move to that side.
The brachiocephalic muscle is made up of two or three parts, which arise from the clavicular intersection and insert at the humerus, the dorsal cervical raphe, and the mastoid process of the temporal bone. These parts are named by their relationship to the origin, with the caudal part of the muscle, the cleidobrachial muscle, inserting at the humerus in all domestic mammals. The cranial attachments can vary among species of domestic mammals.
In canines, the brachiocephalic muscle is divided into three portions: the cleidobrachialis, the cleidocephalicus, and the clavicular intersection. The cleidobrachial, or cleidobrachialis, connects from the crest of the humerus to the clavicle (clavicular intersection). The cleidocephalicus, or cleidocephalicus, connects up to the back of the head and the first few cervical vertebrae. This muscle then breaks up into the cleidocervicalis and cleidomastoideus, giving the brachiocephalic muscle a Y-shape.
The complexity of the brachiocephalic muscle in canines can make it challenging for veterinarians to perform anatomical dissections and surgical procedures in this area. It is also difficult to palpate the entire muscle because part of it is under superficial muscles. However, the cleidobrachial muscle and the cleidocervical can be felt as they are superficial themselves.
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The function of the brachiocephalic muscle
The brachiocephalic muscle, also called the brachiocephalicus, is a long, flat muscle that is located in the underside of the neck. It extends from the intersection clavicularis between the brachium and the head and neck. The muscle is divided into three portions in carnivores, named in relation to the clavicular intersection:
Cleidobrachialis
The distal part from the clavicular intersection. This is considered the clavicular part of the deltoid muscle, but it is included in the brachiocephalic muscle because of the lack of a clavicle in domestic animals.
Cleidocephalicus
The proximal part from the clavicular intersection, also divided into the cervical part and mastoid part. There is an occipital part in some animals, such as Su and Ru. The origin of this part is the clavicular tendon and the distal end of the cranial surface of the humerus, and its insertion is the dorsal surface of the neck.
The primary function of the brachiocephalic muscle is to advance the foreleg and extend the shoulder joint when the foreleg is in motion. When contraction occurs on only one side, the head and neck move to that side. The muscle acts as an anchor to extend the front limb and is, therefore, under a lot of strain in most disciplines.
The brachiocephalic muscle is quite long and is incompletely divisible into two parts: the cleidocephalicus and the cleidobrachialis. The first origin of the muscle attaches at the mastoid process and nuchal crest of the skull, while the second origin attaches at the omotransversarius, the wing of atlas, and the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae. From there, the brachiocephalic passes over the biceps brachii and brachialis before inserting with the superficial pectoral onto the deltoid tuberosity and crest of the humerus (shoulder joint). As such, the brachiocephalic is extremely important for proper shoulder and front limb action, as well as lateral flexion.
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The structure of the brachiocephalic muscle
The brachiocephalic muscle, also called the brachiocephalicus, is a long, flat muscle in the neck. It is located on the underside of the neck in horses and is quite long and superficial. In other animals, the muscle lies deeper in the neck, below the sphincter colli superficialis and platysma. The muscle is divided into two or three parts, depending on the species of animal. In horses, the muscle is incompletely divisible into two parts: the cleidocephalicus and the cleidobrachialis. In carnivores, the muscle is divided into three portions: the cleidobrachialis, the cleidocephalicus, and the cleidocervicalis.
The cleidobrachialis is the distal part of the muscle from the clavicular intersection. This part is considered the clavicular part of the deltoid muscle but is included in the brachiocephalic muscle because of the lack of a clavicle in domestic animals. The cleidocephalicus is the proximal part of the muscle from the clavicular intersection. This part is also divided into the cervical part and the mastoid part. There is an occipital part in Su and Ru.
The brachiocephalic muscle has two main origins. The first origin attaches at the mastoid process and nuchal crest of the skull. The second origin attaches at the Omotransversarius, the wing of the atlas, and the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae. The muscle then passes over the biceps brachii and brachialis before inserting onto the deltoid tuberosity and crest of the humerus (shoulder joint).
The primary function of the brachiocephalic muscle is to advance the foreleg and extend the shoulder joint when the foreleg is in motion. When contraction occurs on only one side, the head and neck are moved to that side. The brachiocephalic muscle is supplied with blood by the brachiocephalic artery and innervated by the accessory nerve, which controls the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
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The treatment of a strained brachiocephalic muscle
The brachiocephalic muscle is located on the underside of a horse's neck and is responsible for advancing the foreleg and extending the shoulder joint. It is quite a long muscle that is incompletely divisible into two parts: the cleidocephalicus and the cleidobrachialis.
Identify the Cause
Identifying the underlying cause of the strain is crucial for effective treatment. In horses, a strained brachiocephalic muscle can be due to various factors such as poor posture, anatomical abnormalities, improper training, trauma, or neurological deficits.
Rest and Recovery
Allowing the muscle to rest and recover is essential. This may involve temporarily reducing or modifying the horse's activities to prevent further strain and give the muscle time to heal.
Massage and Therapy
Massage therapy, such as compression and friction techniques, can be applied along the brachiocephalic muscle to improve blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing.
Improve Training Techniques
Implementing proper training techniques is vital to prevent further strain and improve the horse's overall performance. This includes focusing on self-carriage, balance, and lightness in training. It is important to work with the horse's natural movement patterns and improve their overall posture.
Manage Anatomical Abnormalities
In some cases, anatomical variations or abnormalities might be causing strain on the brachiocephalic muscle. While these abnormalities might not be completely fixable, proper management strategies can be implemented to enhance the horse's welfare. This may include specific exercises, adjustments to riding or training techniques, or even physical therapy to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
Prevent Further Injury
It is important to take precautions to prevent further injury to the brachiocephalic muscle. This includes avoiding excessive pulling on the halter, especially at the poll, as this can strain the muscle and cause tears. Ensuring proper equipment fitting and providing appropriate kick and bite protection can also help prevent injuries to this muscle.
By following these steps and working closely with equine professionals, such as veterinarians, massage therapists, and experienced trainers, the strained brachiocephalic muscle can be effectively treated and managed, improving the horse's overall health, performance, and comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
The brachiocephalic, also called brachiocephalicus, is a long, flat muscle that extends from the intersection clavicularis between the brachium and the head and neck. It is supplied with blood by the brachiocephalic artery. Its primary function is to advance the foreleg and extend the shoulder joint when the foreleg is in motion.
The brachiocephalic muscle is located on the underside of the neck. It runs from the mastoid process of the temporal bone, nuchal crest, wing of atlas and the transverse processes of the 2nd through 4th cervical vertebrae, down to the deltoid tuberosity and crest of the humerus.
The brachiocephalic muscle is divided into three portions in carnivores, named in relation to the clavicular intersection. The distal part is the cleidobrachialis, which is considered the clavicular part of the deltoid muscle. The proximal part is the cleidocephalicus, which is further divided into the cervical and mastoid parts.
