THE FASCIA. 



263 



The great toe, like the thumb in the hand, enjoys an 

 independent action, and is provided with distinct mus- 

 cles to perform its movements. These movements are 

 precisely the same as those of the other toes, viz. : 



Flexion. 



Flexor longus pollicis, 

 Flexor brevis pollicis. 



Extension. 



Extensor proprius pollicis, 

 Extensor brevis digitorum. 



Adduction. 

 Adductor pollicis. 



Abduction. 

 Abductor pollicis. 



The only muscles excluded from this table are the 

 lumbricales, four small muscles, which, from their at- 

 tachments to the tendons of the long flexor, appear to 

 be assistants to its action ; and the transversus pedis, a small muscle 

 placed transversely in the foot across the heads of the metatarsal bones, 

 which has for its office the drawing together of the toes. 



CHAPTER V. 



ON THE FASCIJE. 



FASCIA (fascia, a bandage) is the name assigned to laminae of various 

 extent and thickness, which are distributed through the different regions 

 of the body, for the purpose of investing or protecting the softer and more 

 delicate organs. From a consideration of their structure, these fasciae may 

 be arranged into two groups: cellulo-nbrous fasciae, and aponeurotic 

 fasciae. 



The cellulo-fibrous fascia is best illustrated in the common subcutaneous 

 investment of the entire body, the superficial fascia. This structure is si- 

 tuated immediately beneath the integument over every part of the frame, 

 and is the medium of connexion between that layer and the deeper parts. 

 It is composed of cellulo-fibrous tissue containing in its areolse an abun 

 dance of adipose cells. The fat being a bad conductor of caloric, serves 

 to retain the warmth of the body ; while it forms at the same time a yield- 

 ing tissue, through which the minute vessels and nerves pass to the papil- 

 lary layer of the skin, without incurring the risk of obstruction from injury 

 or pressure upon the surface. By dissection, the superficial fascia may be 

 separated into two layers, between which are found the superficial or cu 



* Plantar interossei. 1. Abductor tertii. 2. Abductor quarti. 3. Interosseous minimi 

 disriti. 



