MYOLOGY 229 



internally beyond the gastrocnemius, so that it is seen 

 in the internal and superior part of the region of the super- 

 ficial layer of muscles, immediately behind the internal 

 surface of the tibia, which, as we know, is subcutaneous. 



The popliteus arises from the external surface of the 

 external condyle of the femur. Thence its fibres which 

 diverge pass to be inserted into the superior part of the 

 posterior surface and of the internal border of the tibia. 

 It is in this latter region that it projects beyond the 

 gastrocnemius, but we may add that there it is more or less 

 covered by the semi-tendinosus. 



It flexes the leg, and rotates it forwards. 



Superficial Flexor of the Toes (Fig. 83, 13, 15 ; Fig. 

 84, 17 ; Fig. 86, II, 13, 13 ; Fig. d>y, 17 ; Fig. 88, 15, 18, 18). 

 — In man, the homologue of this muscle is found in the sole 

 of the foot. It is called the short flexor of the toes. It arises 

 from the calcaneum, and passes to the four outer toes. In 

 quadrupeds, it rises as high as the back of the knee, and is 

 found blended with the plantaris. 



Further designated by the name of the superficial flexor 

 of the phalanges, covered in part by the gastrocnemius, with 

 which it is in relation for a great part of the course which 

 it traverses, this muscle arises from the posterior surface 

 of the femur, on the external branch of the inferior bifurca- 

 tion of the linea aspera. In the horse, this origin takes 

 place in a depression situated above the external condyle, 

 in the supracondyloid fossa. Then it accompanies the 

 gastrocnemius, and becomes tendinous where the tendo- 

 Achillis commences. It then winds round the latter in 

 placing itself on its inner side, then on its posterior sur- 

 face, and reaches the calcaneum. It accordingly contri- 

 butes, as we have already pointed out, to form the cord of the 

 ham. After having become expanded, and having covered 

 as with a sort of fibrous cap the bone of the heel, it descends 

 behind the metatarsus, and presents there an arrange- 

 ment analogous to that which we pointed out in connection 

 with the superficial flexor of the digits — that is, it con- 

 tributes to form the tendon. This prominence, in the 

 form of a cord, we see behind the canon-bone in sohpeds 



