Anatomy of the Cat

by Jacob Reighard; H. S. Jennings

21. The iliopsoas ([p. 193], and [Fig. 91], c; [Fig. 92], d). Only its distal part, near the insertion, can be seen at present.

22. The capsularis ([p. 190]). Transect.

23. The quadriceps femoris ([p. 201]). Isolate the rectus femoris ([Fig. 92], b) as far as its junction with the vastus lateralis; cut it at this point and reflect its proximal portion. Turn aside the distal end and find beneath it the transverse aponeurosis between the vastus medialis and the vastus lateralis, and covering the vastus intermedius. The vastus lateralis ([Fig. 90], d) may be cut near the middle and dissected up from its origin in both directions; the vastus intermedius is thus exposed. The vastus medialis ([Fig. 92], c) and the vastus intermedius need not be cut.

24. The gastrocnemius ([p. 203], and [Fig. 90], m; [Fig. 91], k). It may be raised cautiously near its middle and divided. Care should be taken not to divide the underlying plantaris ([Fig. 90], l). After noting the connection of the outer head with the plantaris, the latter may be divided and reflected, together with the outer head.

25. The plantaris ([p. 205], and [Figs. 90] and [91], l).

26. The flexor brevis digitorum ([p. 212]). In tracing its tendon note the three branches of the common plantar ligament which emerges from between the second and third tendons. The outer branch is inserted into the fascia covering the base of the fifth digit, while the other two spread out into the bilobed pad of the sole.

27. The soleus ([p. 205], and [Fig. 90], o). Cut and reflect.

28. The popliteus ([p. 206], and [Fig. 92], k). Cut very near the origin and reflect.

The three following deep muscles on the ventral surface of the shank are covered by the deep crural fascia ([p. 206]) which separates them from the overlying muscles. It should be removed.

29. The flexor longus hallucis ([p. 207], and [Fig. 91], m). Divide the muscle at its junction with the tendon. Open the canals on the astragalus and calcaneus and reflect the tendon, cutting the tendon of the flexor longus digitorum near its insertion and dividing at the middle the quadratus plantæ ([p. 213]) which may be found inserted into its ventral surface.