VAN 121: Veterinary Gross Anatomy-II (2+2)

MUSCLES OF THE LEG AND FOOT

Fascia

• The fascia of the leg consists of several super-imposed layers.
• The superficial fascia is continuous with that of the thigh.
• The tendons of the tensor fascia latae, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, gracilis and sartorius form the next layer. These two layers frequently use together and are attached to the patellar ligaments, tibial crest and medial face of the tibia.
• These layers unite behind the deep digital flexor at about the middle of this region.
• The third layer of fascia furnishes sheaths for the muscles.
• The tarsal fascia of the leg is continued down over the metatarsals and is blended with its ligaments and is attached to the eminences on the bones. It is thick in front and behind and thins laterally.
• The metatarsal and digital fascia is almost similar to those of the forelimb.
• The muscles of the leg are classified under two groups as
• Dorsolateral group
• Complex muscle
  • Peroneus tertius
  • Long digital extensor (extensor digital longus)
  • Medial digital extensor
• Tibialis anterior (Tibialis anticus)
• Peroneus longus
• Lateral digital extensor (Extensor digitalis lateralis)
• Extensor digitalis brevis (Short extensor)

• Plantar group
• Superficial layer
• Gastrocnemius
• Soleus
• Superficial digital flexor
• Deep layer
• Popliteus
• Deep digital flexor

• These muscles almost completely envelop the tibia leaving only the medial face uncovered.