Gross anatomy of the craniolateral antebrachial muscles in kinkajou (Potos flavus, Carnivora): Intra- and interspecific variants within the family Procyonidae.

The kinkajou (Potos flavus) is a carnivoran that has special morphological adaptations in its thoracic limbs to climb threes and handling food. This study aimed to describe the craniolateral muscles of the antebrachium in P. flavus. Five specimens were used. The extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis were seen as two separate muscles. The extensor carpi ulnaris muscle can present two bellies with different insertions. An extensor digit III muscle was found. The P. flavus has anatomical variants on the craniolateral antebrachial muscles that were previously reported in other procyonids. Thus, those variants are phylogenetically related within the family Procyonidae, except the doubled bellies of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle which is exclusive of P. flavus.