ANTERIOR MUSCLES OF THE THIGH 33l 
Insertion —(1) The lateral part of the anterior surface of the patella; (2) the 
tendon of the rectus femoris. 
Action.—To extend the stifle joint. 
Structure-—The fibers are directed downward and forward, many being in- 
serted into the tendinous sheet which covers the side of the rectus. A bursa is 
usually present between the distal end and the patella. 
Relations.—Laterally, the fascia lata and skin, tensor fascie late, superficial 
as Fold of flank 
Tensor fascie late 
Vastus lateralis 
Vastus medialis 
q Vastus intermedius 
Sartorius 
Saphenous vein 
Saphenous nerve 
Femoral artery 
Gracilis 
Adductor 
Peroneal nerve 
Tibial nerve 
Semimem- 
branosus 
Semitendinosus 
Fic. 290.—Cross-section OF Mippte oF Ricut TuicH oF Horse. 
gluteus, and biceps femoris; medially, the femur and femoro-patellar joint capsule, 
the rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, and the iliaco-femoral artery. 
Blood-supply—Iliaco-femoral artery. 
Nerve-supply—Femoral nerve. 
(8) Vastus medialis —This resembles the preceding muscle, and lies in a sim- 
ilar position on the medial side of the femur. 
Origin.—The medial surface of the femur, from the neck to the distal third. 
Insertion —(1) -Phé-medial ‘border of the patella and its cartilage, and the 
2 ONY 8S Fico 
Recta ~e 
