Descriptive and comparative myology of the forelimb of the babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa L. 1758)

A description is given of the anatomy of the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the forelimb of the babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa, L. 1758). Three adult animals, two males and a female were dissected and the results compared with the previously published information. Significant differences were found between the accounts, and these were analysed within the context of material availability and advances in anatomical nomenclature. Comparisons made with published descriptions of the pig (Sus scrofa) showed that the muscular anatomy of the two species is very similar. Four structures are present in the babirusa but not in the pig; the M. pronator teres is completely tendinous, a tendon branch from the Caput craniale m. extensor digitorum lateralis anastomoses with the tendon of the Caput intermedium m. extensor digitorum communis to the fourth digit, there is an additional small deep portion of the M. supraspinatus and a bundle of fibres from the M. pectoralis profundus inserts on the intersectio clavicularis. Four structures present in the pig but not the babirusa are an additional insertion from the M. cleido-occipitalis into the raphe of the neck, an extra medial insertion of the M. infraspinatus, the accessory tendinous origin of the M. flexor digitorum profundus and the ulnar head of the M. flexor carpi ulnaris.