Overview
It covers most of the lateral surface of the thigh. Feline anatomy texts describe two muscles next to it that are worth recognising in dissection:
- Caudofemoralis (m. caudofemoralis): from the first caudal vertebrae to the patella, partly covered by the biceps and the gluteus superficialis.
- Tenuissimus (m. abductor cruris caudalis): a very thin band deep to the biceps that accompanies the sciatic nerve.
Origin
Ischiatic tuberosity (tuber ischiadicum).
Insertion
Through a broad aponeurosis continuous with the fascia lata and crural fascia: patella, patellar ligament and cranial border of the tibia.
Action
Extends the hip and abducts the limb. Its caudal part flexes the stifle.
Innervation
Branches of the sciatic nerve (n. ischiadicus).
Clinical relevance
The sciatic nerve runs deep to this muscle. In the cat, with little muscle mass, intramuscular injections into the caudal thigh can injure it, so the quadriceps or the lumbar epaxial muscles are preferred.