Flexor digitorum superficialis (pelvic limb)

M. flexor digitorum superficialis (membri pelvini)

Flexor of the toes that arises between the heads of the gastrocnemius and caps the point of the hock.

Laterality:: Paired (left and right)

Draft, not yet reviewed by a veterinarian. Content may contain errors. It is published so the community can review it.

View piece alone in 3D

This piece is a schematic shape, not a scan: there is no freely licensed model for this structure yet.

3D model of this piece: Vet Atlas procedural musculature, CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

Classic feline anatomy texts call it plantaris (m. plantaris). It arises deep, between the two heads of the gastrocnemius. Its tendon winds around the gastrocnemius tendon, becomes superficial, forms a cap over the calcaneal tuber and continues along the plantar surface of the metatarsus, where it splits into four tendons.

Origin

Lateral supracondylar tuberosity of the femur.

Insertion

Middle phalanges of digits II to V.

Action

Flexes the digits and extends the tarsus.

Innervation

Tibial nerve (n. tibialis).

Clinical relevance

It is part of the common calcanean tendon: its laceration or rupture makes the hock drop.
In feline aortic thromboembolism the caudal leg muscles become firm and painful from ischaemia.