OF THE DIFFERENT MUSCLES. 161 



Origin. — - In common with the flexor perforans, from the 

 head of the fibula. 



Use. — To assist the gastrocnemii in extending the hock. 



POPLITEUS. 



The following 'muscles lie deep-seated, close to the tibia, 

 between it and the gastrocnemii. 



The popliteus is placed at the back of the stifle joint. 



Origin. — By a short, round tendon, from the outer and 

 under part of the external condyle of the os femoris. Its 

 fleshy fibres, which are attached to the capsular ligament, 

 run obliquely to the inner and back part of the head of the 

 tibia. 



Insertion. — Into the inner and upper part of the body of 

 the tibia. 



Use, — To assist in bending the stifle, and to roll the head 

 of the tibia inwards. 



FLEXOR PEDIS ACCESSORIUS 



Arises just below the popliteus. 



Origin. — From the outer part of the head of the tibia. 

 Use. — To assist the flexor pedis in bending the pastern 

 and coffin joint. 



FLEXOR PEDIS 



Courses the back part of the tibia. 



Origin. — From the outer part of the head of the tibia, 

 from the upper half of the body of the bone posteriorly, and 

 from the fibula. At the back part of the hock joint it sends 

 off a strong round tendon, which passes within a groove upon 

 the inward surface of the os calcis, to the posterior part of 

 the leg, where it is connected with the tendons of the flexor 

 accessorius and gastrocnemius internus; with the former it 

 unites, and the two become one and the same tendon ; but 

 with the latter it is only connected by cellular membrane. 

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