Cattle 1853 - Lewis Family Farm

212 CATTLE.
of the fourth rib, and spreads forward over the three anterior ribs,
and even to the vertebrae of the withers.
7. Another head of the levator humeri.
8. The triceps extensor brachii, or three-headed extensor of the
arm. Two of the portions are here seen, the onfe from the external
part of the shoulder to the outer tubercle on the bone of the arm,
and also on the outer parts of the elbow ; and the other occupying
the angular space between the shoulder-blade and the bone of the
arm ; the muscle has its principal lower insertion in the posterior and
superior part of the elbow. There is a third portion on the interior
of the scapula and the bone of the arm. The action of the compound
muscle is evidently to bind the humerus, or bone of the arm, on the
shoulder-blade, and thus to extend and throw forward the lower
part of the limb. These muscles are small in cattle for these evident
reasons, that strength is not required in the ox, as a beast of burden,
and bis speed never taxed to any extent ; and because needless flesh
here would be precisely in the part where it is coarsest and least
valuable. The diminution of muscle on the external part of the
shoulder, and the accumulation of cellular and fatty-matter between
it and the trunk, being the reverse of what we find in the horse, are
apt illustrations of the skill with which every animal is adapted to
his destiny.
9. Another portion of the serrated muscles, belonging to- the hack
and ribs. These are principally muscles of respiration ; they elevate
the ribs, and bring them forward, and thus expand the chest, and
assist in the process of inspiration. This is a small muscle, because
from the idle life of the ox, his breathing is seldom hurried.
10. The internal oblique muscle, or inner layer of muscles constitu-
ting the walls of the belly. These muscles assist the external ones in
supporting the weight of the belly, and compressing its contents.
Being placed somewhat farther back than the external oblique, they
will offer less assistance in respiration, but contribute more to the
expulsion of the urine and faeces.
17. The iliacus internus, or inner and larger muscle belonging to
the flanks, occupies the upper and inner space between the spine and
the thigh. Its use is to bring the thigh under the haunch, which, in
the slow-motioned ox, is rarely performed with much rapidity or force,
therefore it is not large. It enters into the composition of the aitch
bone and the upper part of the round.
18, 19, 20. The glutcei muscles fie on the upper, and outer parts
of the haunch, and the good or deficient form of the quarters depends
upon them. They are valuable in the ox, as indicating the
general muscularity of the system. This may, however, be carried
too far. Contributing to the formation of the rump, and, in a certain
degree, of the round, they constitute some of the tenderest and
most valuable parts of the ox.