Artistic Anatomy of Animals

by Édouard Cuyer

Tibialis Posticus ([Fig. 85], 14; [Fig. 86], 12; [Fig. 87], 20; [Fig. 88], 16).—This muscle arises from the external tuberosity of the tibia, and from the head of the fibula. Thence it passes to the tarsus, and terminates in different fashion in carnivora and other quadrupeds.

In the dog and the cat, it is inserted into the ligamentous apparatus of the tarsus, or into the base of the second metatarsal.

In the other quadrupeds with which we are here occupied it is blended with the long proper flexor of the great-toe.

It is accordingly in the carnivora that the mode of termination of the tibialis posticus most nearly resembles that of this same muscle in the human species. From this independence there results a special action.

It is an adductor and internal rotator of the foot.

Flexor Longus Pollicis ([Fig. 84], 18; [Fig. 85], 14; [Fig. 86], 12; [Fig. 87], 18; [Fig. 88], 16).—This muscle, as that in man, is the most external of the deep layer of the leg. It is on the external aspect of the latter we perceive it, between the peroneals and the gastrocnemius or tendo-Achillis.

It arises from the fibula and tibia, and is thence directed towards the tarsus. It unites with the long common flexor of the toes to form with it the deep flexor of the phalanges, of which it is the principal fasciculus. We may add that in the dog and the cat the posterior tibial remains independent of this latter, but that in the pig, ox, and horse the posterior tibial is united to the preceding to form with them the deep flexor muscle.

Thus constituted, the deep flexor goes towards the phalanges, where it terminates as the deep flexor of the digits of the fore-limbs (see [p. 197]). In animals possessed of a canon it contributes to form the tendon ([Fig. 85], 16; [Fig. 86], 14, 14; [Fig. 88], 19, 19).

Muscles of the Foot

We must remember that on the dorsal surface of the foot in man we find but a single muscle—the dorsalis pedis. The remaining subcutaneous structures of this region consist of the tendons of the anterior muscles of the leg which occupy this dorsal aspect.