Which four muscles are brought together in layers to protect the lateral thoracic wall during a thoracic limb amputation?

Which four muscles are brought together in layers to protect the lateral thoracic wall during a thoracic limb amputation?

• A. Pectoral, latissimus dorsi, omotransversarius, trapezius
• B. Trapezius, deltoideus, latissimus dorsi, pectoral
• C. Infraspinatus, supraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis
• D. Deltoideus, latissimus dorsi, pectoral, serratus ventralis

Answer: (A)

When a thoracic limb is amputated, surgeons aim to create a durable soft-tissue cover that shields the lateral thoracic wall and underlying structures. Four muscles are best for this layered envelope because they provide circumferential coverage around the chest: the pectoral muscles from the ventral chest, the latissimus dorsi from the caudal-lateral back, the omotransversarius that reaches cranial-lateral toward the shoulder, and the trapezius along the dorsal neck to thorax. Mobilizing and layering these together forms a protective sleeve over the ribs and pleura, helping to prevent exposure of vital structures and promoting secure wound closure. Other muscle groups don’t offer the same complete lateral thoracic coverage; they either focus more on the shoulder girdle or don’t contribute to a continuous protective envelope around the thorax.

When a thoracic limb is amputated, surgeons aim to create a durable soft-tissue cover that shields the lateral thoracic wall and underlying structures. Four muscles are best for this layered envelope because they provide circumferential coverage around the chest: the pectoral muscles from the ventral chest, the latissimus dorsi from the caudal-lateral back, the omotransversarius that reaches cranial-lateral toward the shoulder, and the trapezius along the dorsal neck to thorax. Mobilizing and layering these together forms a protective sleeve over the ribs and pleura, helping to prevent exposure of vital structures and promoting secure wound closure. Other muscle groups don’t offer the same complete lateral thoracic coverage; they either focus more on the shoulder girdle or don’t contribute to a continuous protective envelope around the thorax.