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'''''The Femoral Head'''''
 
'''''The Femoral Head'''''
 
* The head is offset from the main shaft of the femur, points in a medial direction and articulates with the acetabulum.
 
* The head is offset from the main shaft of the femur, points in a medial direction and articulates with the acetabulum.
* It has a hemispherical articular surface with an associated '''notch''', ''fovea capitis'', which provides attachment for the '''intracasular ligament'''.  
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* It has a hemispherical articular surface with an associated '''notch''', ''fovea capitis'', which provides attachment for the '''intracapsular ligament'''.  
 
* Lateral to the head is the '''greater trochanter'''. This process provides attachment to the gluteal muscles.  
 
* Lateral to the head is the '''greater trochanter'''. This process provides attachment to the gluteal muscles.  
 
* The '''trochantic fossa''' seperates the greater trochanter and the neck of the femur. It provides a site of insertion for the deep hip muscles.  
 
* The '''trochantic fossa''' seperates the greater trochanter and the neck of the femur. It provides a site of insertion for the deep hip muscles.  
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'''''Femoral Shaft'''''
 
'''''Femoral Shaft'''''
 
* The caudal surface is roughened proximally and is framed by the '''medial and lateral lips'''
 
* The caudal surface is roughened proximally and is framed by the '''medial and lateral lips'''
* These lips extend distally end enclose the '''popliteal surface'''. They also provide attachment for the adductor muscles.
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* These lips extend distally and enclose the '''popliteal surface'''. They also provide attachment for the adductor muscles.
 
'''''Distal Extremity'''''
 
'''''Distal Extremity'''''
 
* This consists of the '''medial and lateral condyles''' caudally and a trochlea cranially.
 
* This consists of the '''medial and lateral condyles''' caudally and a trochlea cranially.
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* The '''intercondylar fossa''' lies between the condyles and is seperated from the polpiteal surface by the '''intercondylar line'''.
 
* The '''intercondylar fossa''' lies between the condyles and is seperated from the polpiteal surface by the '''intercondylar line'''.
 
* Both condyles are roughened on their abaxial surfaces providing attachment for the collateral ligaments of the stifle joint.
 
* Both condyles are roughened on their abaxial surfaces providing attachment for the collateral ligaments of the stifle joint.
* The '''extensor fossa''' is one of a pair of depressions on the lateral condyle. It is the more cranial of the two and forms an attachment point for the long digital extensor and third perineal muscle. The caudal depression givens origin to the popliteal.
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* The '''extensor fossa''' is one of a pair of depressions on the lateral condyle. It is the more cranial of the two and forms an attachment point for the long digital extensor and third perineal muscle. The caudal depression gives origin to the popliteal.
* On the caudal aspect of each condyle are facets for the articulation with the '''fabellae'''. These are sesamoid bones that are embedded in the tendinous insertion of the '''gastrocneumius'''.
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* On the caudal aspect of each condyle are facets for the articulation with the '''fabellae'''. These are sesamoid bones that are embedded in the tendinous insertion of the '''gastrocnemius'''.
 
* The '''trochlea''' is made up of two ridges and a groove that articulate with the '''patella''' to form the '''femeropatellar joint'''.
 
* The '''trochlea''' is made up of two ridges and a groove that articulate with the '''patella''' to form the '''femeropatellar joint'''.
 
'''''[[Ossification Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Femur|Ossification Centers of the Femur]]'''''
 
'''''[[Ossification Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Femur|Ossification Centers of the Femur]]'''''
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