title: Morphology of the musculus articularis genus in dog with description of ectopic muscle spindles.
abstract: The gross morphology of the musculus articularis genus and the location of muscle spindles at its point of insertion were studied in 18 adult dogs. The m. articularis genus was usually small and bipartite. From its originate on the cranial surface of the distal femur, it passed distally to terminate at the femoropatellar-joint capsule surface and extend into the synovial membrane. Although the m. articularis genus was usually composed of two parts, only a medial part was present in some dogs and was entirely absent in one specimen. Innervation to the m. articularis genus was provided by a branch of the femoral nerve. Muscle spindles were abundant in the termination of the muscle. spindles were abundant in the termination of the muscle. Frequently, the spindles were not in contact with muscle fibers (dissociated). Muscle spindles were located in close proximity to the surface of the synovial membrane. Morphological adaptations of the m. articularis genus support its potential function as a monitor of joint movement rather than an extensor of the stifle joint.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama 36849, USA.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Kincaid
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Rumph
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Garrett
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Baird
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Kammermann
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Visco
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005269:Femur / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006614:Hindlimb; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000166:cytology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology; D010329:Patella / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000166:cytology