Caudofemoralis

The caudofemoralis (from the Latin cauda, tail and femur, thighbone) is a muscle found in the pelvic limb of mostly all animals possessing a tail, since it is a synapomorphy appeared on the Archosauria clade. It is thus found in felids (cats) and Mustela ("Weasels"), ^[1] but also on crocodiles and birds.

Location

The caudofemoralis is found directly posterior (caudal) to the Gluteus maximus and directly anterior (cranial) to the Biceps femoris.

Origin and insertion

The Caudofemoralis originates from the transverse processes of the second, third and fourth caudal vertebrae. The caudodistal portion of the muscle lies deep to the proximocranial portion of the Biceps femoris. Near the middle of the thigh, the Caudofemoralis gives rise to a long, thin, and narrow tendon that passes distally to the knee joint and inserts into the fascia lata that is anchored to the lateral border of the patella.^[2]

Action

The Caudofemoralis acts to flex the tail laterally to its corresponding side when the pelvic limb is bearing weight. When the pelvic limb is lifted off the ground, contraction of the Caudofemoralis causes the limb to abduct and the shank to extend by extending the hip joint (acetabulofemoral or coxofemoral joint).

Cited References

1. ↑ Rosenzweig, L. J. (1990). Anatomy of the Cat: Text and Dissection Guide. Wm. C. Brown Publishers Dubuque, IA. Pg. 110. ISBN 0697055795.
2. ↑ Rosenzweig, L. J. (1990). Anatomy of the Cat: Text and Dissection Guide. Wm. C. Brown Publishers Dubuque, IA. Pg. 110. ISBN 0697055795.