240 
MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 
manner as a similar muscle in the fore-leg. It is the perform 
ing flexor muscle of the hind leg, and assists in binding the 
pastern and coffin-joints. 
CHIEF MUSCLES OF THE INSIDE OF THE THIGH. 
PLATE VII. Fig. 2. 
b. The blood-vessels belonging to the groin. 
r/, x. These represent the course of the principal anterior arteries 
and veins, which extend to x, and include in their range 
d and k 
c. The gracilis, or slender muscle, which is ver;y broad, and 
occupies the greater portion of the surface of the inner part of 
the thigh, and especially the prominent part of it. It has its 
origin in the lower part of the haunch-bone, and in its down¬ 
ward passage unites with the sartorius, and is inserted with it 
into the lower bone of the thigh. Its province is also to turn 
the leg. 
j. A portion of the muscle described at k , fig. 1 
k. The peronceus This muscle is attached above to the head of 
the fibula, continuing its attachment for the whole length of 
that bone, and below to the coronal process of the os pedis. 
l. The poplitfeus, a short muscle. 
m. The flexor metatarsi, or bender of the leg, which arises from 
the lower part of the upper bone of the thigh, and is inserted 
into the upper part of the shank-bone, as well as to the inner 
small splint-bone. This muscle has considerable power. 
n. The extensor pedis, described at h, fig. 1. 
o. An inside view of the perforating muscle of the foot. 
p. The veins of the posterior part of the leg. 
v. The ligamentous bands, which are of such importance in con 
fining the tendons at the bending of the hock. 
w. Immediately behind the bend of the hock, at w, from the 
anterior superior part of the metatarsal bone, issues a thin 
layer of fleshy fibres, enveloped in cellular substance, and 
concealed in part of the tendon of the extensor pedis, with 
which (about one-fourth of the cannon downward) they form 
a union, and make some addition to its substance in acton, 
these supplementary fibres will brace the tendon, and are pro- 
