Anatomy of an Irish Terrier
The anatomy of the Irish Terrier is similar to that of every other dog. The skeletal system consisting of 319 bones is made up as follows:
Skull
Vertebral column
Ribs and Sternum
Front Legs and Feet
Rear Legs and Feet
Os Penis 50 bones
50 bones
34 bones
92 bones
92 bones
1 bone
Basically, the digestive, respiratory, neuro-muscular, cardio-vascular, urogenital, and endocrine systems are all the same as found in other dogs. Likewise, there are many similarities between human and canine anatornies.
Skull
Vertebral column
Ribs and Sternum
Front Legs and Feet
Rear Legs and Feet
Os Penis 50 bones
50 bones
34 bones
92 bones
92 bones
1 bone
Basically, the digestive, respiratory, neuro-muscular, cardio-vascular, urogenital, and endocrine systems are all the same as found in other dogs. Likewise, there are many similarities between human and canine anatornies.
In the make up and configuration of the Irish Terrier's skeletal and muscular systems, we should find these components so constructed that they provide a powerful but graceful individual. This terrier must be agile, lythesome, mobile, and functional. The Irish Terrier in motion should show proper alignment, power, and drive. There should not be any wasted or loose movements; with good coordination of all parts as shown by an efficient, smooth gait. Poetry in motion, so to speak.
The Irish Terrier is not as fragile and racy as the Whippet, nor as cumbersome and slow as the Irish Wolfhound. He is finished off in a tightfitting, elegant red jacket of a coat that is dense, hard, and wiry.
The accompanying illustrations show the anatomical features as they are situated inside the body. The detail is sufficient to give a good idea of what makes these great dogs function.
Key to names of muscles:
The Irish Terrier is not as fragile and racy as the Whippet, nor as cumbersome and slow as the Irish Wolfhound. He is finished off in a tightfitting, elegant red jacket of a coat that is dense, hard, and wiry.
The accompanying illustrations show the anatomical features as they are situated inside the body. The detail is sufficient to give a good idea of what makes these great dogs function.
Key to names of muscles:
- levator nasolabialis
- buccinator
- malaris
- occiputomandibularis
- masseter
- scutularis
- auricular
- brachiocephalicus
- clavicle
- supraspinatus
- ornotransversarius
- trapezius
- deltoid
- brachiocephalicus
- brachialis
- triceps brachii
- infraspinatus
- extensor carpi ulnaris
- pronator teres
- flexor carpi radialis
- flexor carpi ulnaris
- digital extensors
- extensor carpi ulnaris
- posterior deep pectoral
- intercostal
- rectus abdominis
- external abdominal oblique
- latissimus dorsi
- lumbodorsal fascia
- sartorius
- tensor fasciae latae
- sartorius
- quadriceps femoris
- pronator teres
- gluteus medius
- gluteus superficialis
- biceps femoris
- sernitendinosus
- gastrocnernius
- digital extensors
- peroneus
- caudofemoralis
- caudafis
- sacrococcygenous
- zygornaticus
by Joseph P. Sayres, DVM1 From the 1983 ITCA Breedbook
