The Anatomical Structure of the Carnivora Brachial Plexus and Nerve Distribution on the Forelimb

Carnivora consists of two large groups, namely Feliformia and Caniformia. These two large groups of animals clearly differ from each other morphologically and behaviourally. They are primarily predators whose hunting habits have led to the development of specific appearance traits. The locomotor apparatus, which is a key system in the hunting process, is controlled by the nervous system. The part responsible for the thoracic limb is the brachial plexus (PB). As indicated in domestic mammals, the structure of the PB has a general pattern that is subject to modifications depending on the species. Among Carnivora, there is similarity in PB structure, but crucial differences are also present. In this article, the ventral branches of the spinal nerves, nerve trunks, nerve cords and peripheral nerves are discussed along with their branches in the arm and antebrachium. The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate the structure of the brachial plexus specific to Carnivora and to distinguish the modifications that occur in this group of animals. Due to the high phylogenetic diversity of the species, the plexus structure was analysed against the current taxonomy of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.