Gluteus superficialis HORSE • Origin: Point of the hip (coxal tuberosity) and an adjacent area on the outer edge of the ilium of the pelvis; from fascia covering the gluteus medius (in part ultimately originating from the ligament connecting the sacrum to the ilium). • Insertion: Third trochanter of the femur, one third of the way down the outside of the bone. • Action: Flexes the hip joint; pulls the limb away from the body. • Structure: The gluteus superficialis is a thin, V-shaped muscle that converges on the femur. The front portion is partly covered by, and firmly. | 88 INDIVIDUAL MUSCLES REAR LIMB Gluteus superficialis HORSE Origin Point of the hip coxal tuberosity and an adjacent area on the outer edge of the ilium of the pelvis from fascia covering the gluteus medius in part ultimately originating from the ligament connecting the sacrum to the ilium . Insertion Third trochanter of the femur one third of the way down the outside of the bone. Action Flexes the hip joint pulls the limb away from the body. Structure The gluteus superficialis is a thin V-shaped muscle that converges on the femur. The front portion is partly covered by and firmly attached to the tensor fasciae latae muscle. The rear portion sits on top of the gluteus medius its rear edge is covered by the biceps femoris. DOG AND FELINE Origin The sacrum the first tail vertebra the front half of the ligament connecting the sacrum to the ischiatic tuberosity sacrotuberal ligament and the fascia covering the gluteus medius. Insertion Outer surface of the femur about one-eighth of the way down the bone. Structure The gluteus superficialis is a small flat muscle appearing somewhat rectangular on the surface. It is smaller than the gluteus medius. The gluteus superficialis is not present in the ox. The upper front portion of the gluteobiceps muscle of the ox is believed to be the rear portion of the gluteus superficialis and the rear portion of the tensor fasciae latae may be the front portion of the gluteus medius. INDIVIDUAL MUSCLES REAR LIMB 89 Caudofemoralls Gluteofemoralis FELINE Origin Side projections of the first second and third tail vertebrae. Insertion The fascia of the leg in front of the biceps femoris muscle and the middle of the outside edge of the patella. Action Extends the hip joint pulls the limb away from the body. Structure The caudofemoralis muscle exclusive to the felines is an elongated triangular muscle located behind the gluteus superficialis. Approximately one third of the way down the thigh it disappears under the biceps femoris. About two .
