The radial nerve origin, ramification and distribution in the arm of the domestic cat (Felis catus domesticus, Linnaeus 1758)

Abstract

The origin and distribution of the radial nerves were studied in 30 adult domestic cats. The sample included 15 females and 15 males of unknown breed. The specimens were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution. Radial nerves were observed to originate, in 11 cases (18.33%), from the ventral branch of the sixth cervical spinal nerve; in 60 cases (100.0%), from the ventral branch of the seventh cervical spinal nerve; in 60 cases (100.0%), from the ventral branch of the eight cervical nerve and in 60 cases (100.0%), from the ventral branch of the first thoracic nerve. The radial nerves branched out, in all of the animals studied, to the tensor fasciae antebrachii, long, accessory, medial and lateral heads of the triceps branchii and anconeus muscles. The radial nerve emits of 14 to 25 nervous branches in the arm region. However, the branch of the sixth cervical spinal nerve reveal significant differences (p<0.05) with relation to sex of the animals.