Topographical Anatomy of the Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta)—Part II: Pelvic Limb

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) is one of the most investigated nonhuman primate species in biomedical research since its anatomy and physiology resemble those of humans. This manuscript fulfills the researcher’s and veterinarian’s need for detailed anatomical data on the rhesus monkey’s pelvic limb. Several rhesus monkey cadavers were dissected to study the anatomy of the muscular, circulatory and peripheral nerve systems of the pelvic limb in relation to each other. The anatomical structures are textually described and illustrated by means of numerous detailed colored images. ABSTRACT: The rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) is a widely used model in biomedical research because its anatomy and physiology bear many similarities to those of humans. Extensive knowledge of the anatomy of this nonhuman primate species is not only required for the correct interpretation of obtained research data but also valuable for the welfare of captive individuals housed in, e.g., zoos. As anatomical publications on the rhesus monkey are hardly available, outdated and provide only line drawings or black-and-white photographs, the anatomy of the rhesus monkey was readdressed in this study. The various anatomical structures are described in relation to each other topographically per hindlimb region. The hip region, the upper limb, the knee, the lower limb and the foot are described from various perspectives. The structures that are visible in the different layers, from the superficial to the deepest layer, were photographed. Although the anatomy of the hindlimbs of rhesus monkeys and humans are remarkably similar, various subtle dissimilarities have been observed. Consequently, an open-access publication that focuses on the anatomy of the rhesus monkey would be highly valued by both biomedical researchers and veterinarians.