2) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "SHECHITAH" AND "ZEVICHAH" (as an addition to your disscussion on that question)
Talmudic explanations why the word shehita reffers to cutting throut are known. it's however interesting that in other semitic languages the word Sahat literally means to cut the throat ( Arabic is a clear example), hence place of shehita is a deoraita pshat once ancient hebrew root is known.
Boruch Yuabov, Rego Park, NY
Boruch - That is the meaning in Hebrew as well. Thus, even without the Talmudic derivation, the meaning of the word was known through the Mesorah, just as the meaning of Egoz or Techeilet was known. However, the sages chose to show the meaning through exegetical derivation as well to emphasize the authenticity and beauty of the Torah. (That is why there may be numerous exegetical derivations for Shechitah of the neck, each arguing with the other - but none suggest that Shechitah is done to another limb.)
This is the way the Rambam explains similar Sugyas in his renowned Introduction to the Mishnah. (In general, you would do well to familiarize yourself with that unique work, Boruch.)
Best regards,
Mordecai Kornfeld