Lateral Muscles of the Hind limb

The muscles shown here have dual functions. The biceps femoris is one of the major flexors of the shank (lower leg). It originates on the ischial tuberosity of the innominate and inserts on the proximal third of the tibia. It also abducts the hind limb by moving it away from the midline. Another abductor of the hind limb is the caudorfemoralis. This muscle originates on the transverse processes of the 2nd and 3rd caudal vertebrae and inserts by a long tendon along the lateral surface of the patella. It is also extends the shank. Return to muscle function Return to tutorial