Overview
It lies directly on the cranial surface of the tibia, partly covered by the long digital extensor and the peroneus tertius. Its tendon crosses the dorsal surface of the tarsus towards the medial side.
Origin
Proximal end of the tibia (lateral condyle and region of the tuberosity).
Insertion
Medial side of the distal tarsus and proximal end of the metatarsus.
Action
Flexes the tarsus.
Innervation
Common fibular (peroneal) nerve (n. fibularis communis), through the deep fibular nerve.
Clinical relevance
Peroneal nerve paralysis is common in cattle: the nerve runs superficially over the lateral condyle of the tibia and is compressed during prolonged recumbency or after calving. Without the tibialis cranialis and the digital extensors, the hock is overextended and the animal stands on the dorsal surface of the hoof, with the fetlock knuckled forward.