chap, xxiii.] THE ANKLE AND FOOT. 463 



Tendons. The tendo Achillis stands out very 

 conspicuously at the back of the ankle, and between it 

 and the malleoli are two hollows which are evident in 

 even obese individuals. Over the front of the ankle 

 the tendons of the extensor muscles are readily to be 

 distinguished, especially when the joint is flexed. 

 From within outwards they are : the tendons of the 

 tibialis anticus, extensor longus pollicis, extensor 

 longus digitorum and peroneus tertius. Beneath the 

 tendons of the extensor of the toes, and on the outer 

 part of the dorsum of the foot, the prominent fleshy 

 mass formed by the extensor brevis digitorum can be 

 felt and, when in action, seen. Above and behind the 

 inner malleolus the tendons of the tibialis posticus and 

 flexor longus digitorum can be discerned, the former 

 lying nearer to the bone. Nearer to the middle line 

 runs the flexor longus pollicis. Behind the outer 

 malleolus the long and short peroneal tendons can be 

 felt, lying close to the edge of the fibula, the tendon of 

 the smaller muscle being the closer to it. 



In the middle of the sole of the foot the resisting 

 plantar fascia can be felt, and some of its processes 

 made out when the toes are drawn up by the extensors. 

 The fleshy mass on the inner margin of the foot is 

 formed by the abductor and flexor brevis pollicis ; that 

 on the outer side by the abductor and flexor brevis 

 minimi digiti. 



Vessels. The anterior tibial artery and nerve are 

 placed opposite the ankle joint, between the tendons of 

 the extensor proprius pollicis and longus digitorum. 

 The dorsal artery runs from the middle of the ankle 

 to the interval between the bases of the first and 

 second metatarsal bones. It may be felt pulsating 

 against the bones along the outer side of the extensor 

 proprius pollicis tendon, which is the readiest guide 

 to it. The plantar arteries start from a point midway 

 between the tip of the malleolus interims and the 



