![]() ![]() The digital flexor muscles/tendons also prevent hyperextension and helps maintain the proper structure of the foot. When the dog flexes its wrist or digits, the flexor muscles and tendons are engaged. The main function of the digital flexor muscles and tendons are to flex the digits. (Mills, Levine,2014 )įigure 2: Digital Extensor and Flexor Muscles The deep digital flexor muscle attaches at attaches to the medial epicondyle of the humerus and caudal-medial aspect of the radius and ulna and inserts on the underside of middle phalange 2-5. The muscle splits into 4 tendons that insert on the underside of the middle phalanges 2-5. (Henneman, 2014) The Superficial digital flexor muscle attaches to the medial epicondyle of the humerus. There are two digital flexor tendons: deep digital flexor tendon and the superficial digital flexor. On the bottom side of the digits are the flexor tendons that flex the wrist and toes. On the top side of the digits are the extensor tendons that extend the wrist and toes. When a muscle contracts to move a joint, the tendon pulls on the bone moving the body part. At one end, tendon is connected to the muscle fibers and at the other end tendons are connected to components of the bone. (Zink, 13) They are like a bridge between the muscle and the bone. The bones of the toes are not structured straight and flat like human feet, but are aligned in an angled fashion and are moved by digital extensor and flexor tendons (Henneman, 14) Tendons are strong, flexible, elastic, connective tissues that are composed of collagen fibers. Paws are made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, skin, blood and connective tissue. In the forelimb, dogs have five digits or toes per paw with digit 1 being the dew claw. While there are many parts of the paw, this paper focus’ on the digital flexor tendons. The toes also allow the dog to dig and hold objects. To handle the different surfaces and motions, the toes will spread and provide the balance and stability they need. The function of toes is vast and dogs would be lost without them! The toes are weight bearing, shock absorbers that allow for balance and stability with jumping, running, standing, pivoting on multiple surfaces. Full Title: The Digital Flexor Tendon of Forepawĭogs are digitgrade animals- meaning they walk on their toes not their heels like humans.
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