MUSCLES OF THE LEG 343 



Insertion. Into the trochanteric fossa, a deep cavity behind and below 

 the head of the thigh-bone. 



Action. To rotate the femur outwards. 



MUSCLES OF THE LEG 

 OUTER ASPECT OF THE LEG 



Extensor Pedis. This muscle is situated on the outer and front 

 aspects of the lirnb between the stifle and the hock-joint. It is thick in 

 the middle and tapering towards the extremities. 



Origin. By a short strong tendon (together with a branch from the 

 flexor metatarsi) from a depression on the inferior extremity of the femur 

 between the trochlea and the external con'dyle> 



Insertion. The tendon, which commences above the hock, is tied down 

 by three transverse bands, one above the hock, another below it, and a 

 third in front of it. It then passes in front of the canon, where it is joined 

 by the tendons of two muscles, viz. the peroneus and the flexor metatarsi 

 parvus. In passing over the fetlock-joint a synovial bursa intervenes 

 between it and the capsular ligament. About the middle of the first 

 phalanx (suflraginis) it is joined on either side by a strip from the sus- 

 pensory ligament, and ultimately becomes attached to the coronal process 

 of the os pedis, or foot-bone. 



Action. To extend the foot and pastern and flex the hock. 



Peroneus. A small elongated muscle placed behind the one last 

 described on the outer side of the leg. 



Origin. From the outer part of the fibula and the external lateral 

 ligament of the stifle. 



Insertion. The tendon of the peroneus in its downward course passes 

 over a groove on the outer and lower extremity of the tibia or leg-bone, 

 thence over the outer side of the hock-joint, where it is contained in a 

 canal and invested by a synovial sheath. On emerging from its enclosure 

 it passes obliquely forward and joins the tendon of the extensor pedis 

 in the middle of the canon. 



Action. To assist the last-named muscle. 



Flexor Metatarsi. The flexor metatarsi is placed on the anterior 

 and outer face of the tibia, and extends from the stifle to the hock-joint. 



Origin. A tendinous band from this muscle blends with the tendon of 

 origin of the extensor pedis, and is attached to the lower extremity of the 

 femur between the external condyle and trochlea. The muscular division 

 is connected with the upper and outer part of the tibia. 



