332 



fascijE and muscles of the horse 



proximal part of the medial patellar ligament. (2) The tendon of the rectus 

 femoris. 



Action. — To extend the stifle joint. 



Structure.— This is very similar to that of the vastus lateralis. It is, how- 

 ever, more difficult to separate from the intermedins, because many fibers of the 

 latter arise on the tendinous sheet which covers the contact surface, of the medial 



Shaft of femur 



Gluteus profundus 



Trochanter major 

 {anterior part) 



Prepubic teyidon 

 Obturator externus 



Vastus lateralis 



Vastus intermedius 



Rectus femoris 1 



Vastus lateralis 



Biceps femoris 



Patella 



Lateral femoro-tihiol 

 ligament 

 Lateral patellar ligament 



Vastus medialis 



Medial fanuro-tibial ligament 



J Medial meniscus 



Middle patellar ligament 



Tuberosity of tibia 



Fig. 291. — Mdscles of Right Thigh of Hohse; Deep Dissection. 

 The preparation is viewed from the front and somewhat medially. Most of rectus femoris and vastus lateralis 

 has been removed. 1, Stump of origin of rectus femoris; 2, capsularis; 3, accessory ligament; 4, cotyloid ligament; 

 5, head of femur; 6, trochlea of femur. 



vastus. Its insertion into the patella is chiefly by means of a broad, strong tendon. 

 From the deep face fleshy fibers are inserted also into the femoro-patellar joint cap- 

 sule. 



Relations. — Medially, the skin and fascia, the iliacus, sartorius, pectineus, and 

 adductor, the femoral vessels, and saphenous nerve; laterally, the femur, femoro- 

 patellar joint capsule, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius, the anterior femoral 

 artery, and branches of the femoral nerve. 



