204 SKELETON OF THE DOG 
inent. The nutrient foramen is usually in the proximal third of the lateral border. 
The tuberosity is not grooved, but bears a distinct mark where the ligamentum 
patelle is attached. There is a small facet for the fibula on the postero-lateral part 
of the lateral condyle, and a small sesamoid bone in the tendon of origin of the 
popliteus is in contact with the posterior angle of the latter. The distal end is quad- 
rangular and relatively small. The articular grooves and ridge are almost sagittal. 
There is a facet laterally for articulation with the fibula. There is a vertical groove 
medially and a shallower one behind—both for tendons. The proximal end unites 
with the shaft at about eighteen months, the distal at fourteen or fifteen months. 
Trochanteric 
fossa 
Head Trochanter 
; ‘ major 
Trochanter. 
major 
Neck 
Neck Trochanter 
Trochanter minor 
minor 
Nutrient 
foramen 
Medial rough Lateral rough 
line line 
Medial Medial Lateral 
Lateral epicondyle condyle condyle 
epicondyle 
Intercondyloid 
Trochlea fossa 
Fic. 224.—Ricut Femur or Doa; AnTeRIOR View. Fig. 225.—Ricut Femur or Doc; Posterior Virw. 
1, 2, Sesamoid bones. 
The fibula extends the entire length of the region. It is slender, somewhat 
twisted, and enlarged at either end. The proximal part of the shaft is separated 
from the tibia by a considerable interosseous space, but the distal part is flattened 
and closely applied to the tibia. The proximal extremity is flattened and articu- 
lates with the lateral condyle of the tibia. The distal end is somewhat thicker and 
forms the lateral malleolus. It articulates medially with the tibia and the tibial 
tarsal bone. Laterally it bears two tubercles. 
The patella is long and narrow. The free surface is convex in both direc- 
tions. The articular surface is convex from side to side and slightly concave from 
above downward. 
