Trapezium
Like in humans, the trapezius is a wide, superficial muscle on the back of the pig
How-To and Tips: It is shaped very much like a triangle and is hidden under a thin layer of superficial connective tissue. Be careful when skinning not to use the scissors or the knife, as this can tear the trapezius- we tore ours by accident (which is why the triangle looks deformed). The line of the trapezius can be visible from above the connective tissue, so it should be fairly easy to recognize if you are careful
How-To and Tips: It is shaped very much like a triangle and is hidden under a thin layer of superficial connective tissue. Be careful when skinning not to use the scissors or the knife, as this can tear the trapezius- we tore ours by accident (which is why the triangle looks deformed). The line of the trapezius can be visible from above the connective tissue, so it should be fairly easy to recognize if you are careful
- Action: This muscle retracts the scapula towards the back/spine, and helps stabilize the shoulder when moving the forelimb
- Origin: it originates from the occipital bone, cervical vertebrae, and thoracic vertebrae
- Insertion: inserts into the spine of the scapula
Above, the layer of connective tissue that wraps over the trapezius is visible. Cutting this layer will allow you to directly touch and lift up the trapezius.