

FASCIA OF FOOT. 441 



gin of the fascia plantaris. This is the Ligamentum Laciniatum 

 (or plaited ligament) of writers, and conceals the tendons 

 which pass to the sole of the foot, along the sinuosity of the os 

 calcis. 



The Aponeurosis Dorsalis is continued from the annular liga- 

 ment, over the upper surface of the foot, to the roots of the toes. 

 It is thin, but its fibrous texture is apparent. It is spread over 

 the extensor tendons of the toes and the extensor brevis muscle, 

 and is slightly attached along the internal and the external mar- 

 gin of the foot. 



The Aponeurosis Plantaris is on the sole of the foot, between 

 its common integuments and the muscles. It is attached be- 

 hind to the tuberosities of the os calcis, and is quickly divided 

 into three portions, which are kept distinct by well marked de- 

 pressions between them. The internal portion lies upon the 

 muscles at the inner side of the foot, the external portion upon 

 the muscles at the outer side, and the middle covers longitudi- 

 nally the central parts of the sole. The first two portions are 

 thin, reticulated, and extended to the roots of the outer and in- 

 ner metatarsal bones, and along the margins of the foot, where 

 they join the fascia dorsalis. The middle portion increases in 

 breadth as it advances, and at the anterior extremity of the 

 metatarsus is divided into five slips, one for each metatarsal 

 bone. Each of these slips is subdivided into two, which pene- 

 trate upwards, and fix themselves to their respective side of 

 the head of the corresponding metatarsal bone. In the inter- 

 val left by this bifurcation, pass the flexor tendons, the lum- 

 bricales, the vessels and the nerves, to the toe. 



The plantar aponeurosis, or fascia, affords behind, origin to 

 the superficial muscles of the sole of the foot. It also sends in 

 partitions between them. Its thickness is considerable behind, 

 but continually diminishes as it advances forwards. Its fibrous 

 texture is very well marked, and is much more compact near 

 the heel, where it looks like ligament; the fibres run principal- 

 ly longitudinally. From its inferior surface many strong fila- 

 ments pass to the skin on the sole of the foot, and contain with- 

 in their interstices a granulated adeps. 



