MUSCLES OF THE LEG 345 



Insertion. — Continuing its course down the back of the canon it ulti- 

 mately divides into two branches and becomes inserted into the upper and 

 posterior part of the second phalanx or small pastern-bone. The perforans 

 tendon passes between these two branches on its way to the foot. 



Action. — To flex the pastern on the fetlock-joint, and extend the hock 

 on the til)ia. 



Popliteus. — Situated behind the stifle-joint, over which it passes 

 obliquely downward and inward in close contact with the upper extremity 

 of the tibia. 



Origin. — From the external condyle of the femur by a short tendon 

 which is lubricated with .synovia in passing over the joint. 



Insertion. — Into the upper and posterior part of the tibia. 



Action. — To flex the tibia on the femur, and rotate it inwards. 



Flexor Pedis Perforans (Deep Flexor of the Foot). — A long muscle 

 situated behind the tibia or leg-bone, with which it is in contact. 



Origin. — From the posterior surface of the tibia and the fibula. 



Insertion. — After passing over the back of the hock, where it moves 

 through a synovial membrane and is bound down by the tarsal sheath, the 

 tendon of this muscle continues its course downward, and becomes inserted 

 into the under surface of the pedal or foot-bone. 



About the upper thii'd of the metatarsus or canon it is joined by the 

 check ligament, as in the fore-limb. 



Action. — It flexes the foot and fetlock, and assists in extending the 

 hock. 



Flexor Pedis Accessorius (Accessory Flexor of the Foot and 

 pastern). — A small muscle situated at the back of the leg on the inner 

 side of the one last descrilied. 



Origin. — From the upper and back part of the head of the tibia or leg- 

 bone. 



Insertion. — After pa,ssing through a groove on the inner side of the 

 hock-joint, where it is lubricated with synovia, the tendon of this muscle 

 continues downw^ard to blend with that of the flexor pedis perforans about 

 the upper third of the canon bone. 



Action. — To assist in flexing the foot and fetlock. 



