Muscles of the Bovine Crus - Anatomy & Physiology

These muscles can be divided into two groups. On the craniolateral aspect of the limb are the flexors of the tarsus and extensors of the digit. On the caudal aspect are the extensors of the tarsus and flexors of the digit.

Craniolateral Muscles of the Crus

Flexors of the tarsus

Peroneus longus

• Origin - lateral condyle of the tibia.
• Insertion - the first tarsal bone and the proximal end of the large metatarsal bone.
• It is enveloped by a synovial sheath.

Peroneus tertius

• Origin - extensor fossa of the femur
• Insertion - 2nd and 3rd fused tarsal bones and proximal metatarsal

Cranial tibial

• Origin - lateral, proximal tibia
• Insertion - metatarsal and 2nd and 3rd tarsal bone.

Extensors of the Digits

Long digital extensor

• Origin - extensor fossa of the femur
• Insertion - extensor procceses of the distal phalanges

Medial digital extensor

• Origin - lateral ligament of the stifle and the lateral tibial condyle.
• Insertion - dorsal surface of the second phalanx of the lateral digit.

Short digital extensor

• Resembles that of the horse.

Caudal Muscles of the Crus

Extensors of the Tarsus

The gastrocnemius and soleus resemble that of the horse.

Flexors of the Digits

The superficial and deep digital flexors resemble those of the horse.

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