Sectional and intrasectional variations in muscle fibre diameter over a restricted axial range were examined in seven bovine muscles from foetuses, calves and steers. Significant sectional variations were found in four muscles, while two muscles showed significant intrasectional variations. The results indicate that sampling sites require accurate definition in comparative studies of muscle fibre diameter.Two extensor muscles of the foreleg, m. extensor carpi radialis and m. extensor digitorum communis showed neither sectional nor intrasectional variation in muscle fibre diameter and appear to be more satisfactory muscles for use in muscle fibre growth studies than m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum.A comparison of mean muscle fibre diameter in 60 pairs of contralateral muscles showed that there were no significant differences in 52 of the muscle pairs.
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