ANTERIOR BRACHIAL GROUP. 217 



anterior and a posterior group, the former being mostly anterior 

 or lateral to the bone, the latter situated behind it, In either 

 ^roup we find three muscles. 



Anterior Brachial Group. 



Flexor brachii. 

 Coraco-humeralis. 

 Humeralis obliquus. 



FLEXOR BRACHII. 



(Coraco-radialis.) 



(Fig. 78. /.) 



The analogue of the biceps in man, this muscle is situated in 

 front of the humerus : it is long and cylindrical, passing down- 

 wards and backwards. The tendon of origin contains fibro-cartilage, 

 and the belly is intersected by tendinous fibres. 



Origin. — From the base of the coracoid process of the scapula, 

 l)y a strong tendon, which passes over the bicipital groove where 

 there is a synovial bursa. 



InseHion. — By a short tendon to the bicipital tuberosity on 

 the antero-internal part of the head of the radius, and to the 

 capsular ligament of the elbow joint ; a part of it passes under 

 the internal-lateral ligament of the elbow joint. A strong fibrous 

 band is given off inferiorly which joins and expands over the 

 extensor metacarpi magnus, and becomes blended with the anti- 

 trachial fascia. 



Relation. — Anteriorly with fascia, covered by the levator 

 humeri ; internally with the coraco-humeralis; posteriorly with 

 the humerus; superiorly its tendon passes between the two 

 insertions of the antea-spinatus, where a strong fascia envelopes 

 it and is tensed by the last-named muscle. 



Action. — To flex the radius on the humerus, extend the latter 

 on the scapula, and to tense the antibrachial fascia. A band 

 of unyielding tendinous material runs through this muscle, 

 enabling it to act as a ligament, and passively support the 

 shoulder joint, when the animal is at rest ; the band joining the 

 extensor metacarpi also relieves muscular tension. 



