492 MYOLOGY

by a thin layer of fascia. It arises by a narrow tendon, from the medial process
of the tuberosity of the calcaneus, from the central part of the plantar aponeurosis,
and from the intermuscular septa between it and the adjacent muscles. It passes
forward, and divides into four tendons, one for each of the four lesser toes. Oppo-
site the bases of the first phalanges, each tendon divides into two slips, to allow of
the passage of the corresponding tendon of the Flexor digitorum longus; the two
portions of the tendon then unite and form a grooved channel for the reception
of the accompanying long Flexor tendon. Finally, it divides a second time, and
is inserted into the sides of the second phalanx

about its middle. The mode of division of the

'Hi%|% tendons of the Flexor digitorum brevis, and of
their insertion into the phalanges, is analogous
to that of the tendons of the Flexor digitorum
sublimis in the hand.

Variations. — Slip to the little toe frequentlj' wanting,

23 jjcr cent.; or it may be replaced by a small fusiform
muscle arising from the long flexor tendon or from the
Quadratus plantae.

Fibrous Sheaths of the Flexor Tendons. The —

Fig. 443. — Muscles of the sole of the foot.
First laver.
terminal portions of the tendons of the long
and short Flexor muscles are contained in
osseoaponeurotic canals similar in their ar-
rangement to those in the fingers. These
canals are formed above by the phalanges
and below bv fibrous bands, which arch across
the tendons, and are attached on either side
to the margins of the phalanges. Opposite
the bodies of the proximal and second pha-
langes the fibrous bands are strong, and the
fibers are transverse; but opposite the joints
thev are much thinner, and the fibers are
directed obliquely. Each canal contains a
mucous sheath, which is reflected on the con-
tained tendons.
The Abductor digiti quinti (Abductor minimi
digiti) lies along the lateral border of the foot,
and is in relation by its medial margin with
the lateral plantar vessels and nerves. It arises,
by a broad origin, from the lateral process of
the tuberosity of the calcaneus, from the under
surface of the calcaneus between the two pro-
cesses of the tuberosity, from the forepart of
the medial process, from the plantar aponeu-
rosis, and from the intermuscular septum
between it and the Flexor digitorum brevis. Its

tendon, after gliding over a smooth facet on the

under surface of the base of the fifth metatarsal bone, is inserted, with the
Flexor digiti quinti brevis, into the fibular side of the base of the first phalanx
of the fifth toe.

Variations. — Slips of origin from the tuberosity at the base of the fifth metatarsal Abductor
ossis metatarsi quinti, origin external tubercle of the calcaneus, insertion into tuberosity of the
fifth metatarsal bone in common with or beneath the outer margin of the plantar fascia.