24) MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



manner as a similar muscle in the fore-leg. It is the perform- 

 ing flexor muscle of the hind leg, and assists in binding the 

 pastern and coffin-joints. 



CHIEF MUSCLES OF THE INSIDE OF THE THIGH. 



PLATE VII, Fig. 2. 



b. The blood-vessels belonging to the groin. 



d, X. These represent the course of the principal anterior arteries 

 and veinSj which extend to x, and include in their range 

 d and k. 



c. The gracilis^ or slender muscle, which is very broad, and 

 occupies the greater portion of the surface of the inner part of 

 the thigh, and especially the prominent part of it. It has its 

 origin in the lower part of the haunch-bone, and in its down- 

 ward passage unites with the sartoriuSj and is inserted with it 

 into the lower bone of the thigh. Its province is also to turn 

 the leg. 



j. A portion of the muscle described at /', fig. 1 



k. The peronaus. This muscle is attached above to the head of 

 the fibula, continuing its attachment for the whole length of 

 that bone, and below to the coronal process of the os pedis, 



L The poplit(BUSj a short muscle. 

 m. The flexor metatarsi, or bender of the leg, which arises from 

 the lower part of the upper bone of the thigh, and is inserted 

 into the upper part of the shank-bone, as well as to the inner 

 small splint-bone. This muscle has considerable power. 



11, The extensor pedis, described at h, fig. 1. 



o. An inside view of the perforating muscle of the foot. 



p. The veins of the posterior part of the leg. 



The ligamentous bands, which are of such importance in con- 

 fining the tendons at the bending of the hock. 

 Immediately behind the bend of the hock, at lu, from the 

 anterior superior part of the metatarsal bone, issues a thin 

 layer of fleshy fibres, enveloped in cellular substance, and 

 concealed in part of the tendon of the extensor pedis, with 

 which (about one-fourth of the cannon downward) they form 

 a union, and make some addition to its substance. In action, 

 these supplementary fibres \\\\\ brace the tendon, and are pro- 



V. 



