ABSTRACT
The superficial fascia over the lateral aspect of the shoulder and brachium can be cleanly isolated from the overlying skin. The strength of its adherence to the underlying deep fascia is dependent on the length and density of the loose connective tissue fibres present between the layers and varies considerably across the shoulder. The superficial fascia in the antebrachium and distal limb continue uninterrupted into the brachial and shoulder regions of the forelimb. The deep fascia of the brachium and shoulder girdle is interconnected and serves to mechanically link several adjoining and distant muscles. In horses, similar connectivity would have even greater implications as the forelimbs have no skeletal attachment to the axial skeleton and are instead supported by a myofascial girdle. The cutaneous trunci tapers to a prominent fascial band which passes along the dorsal border of the deep pectoral muscle and inserts on the brachium.
