What structure runs from the femur to the proximal metatarsal?

What structure runs from the femur to the proximal metatarsal?

• A. Cranial tibial tendon
• B. Navicular ligaments
• C. Peroneus tertius
• D. Gracilis

Answer: (C)

The structure that forms a direct link from the upper leg to the proximal metatarsus is the peroneus tertius. In horses, this muscle starts in the extensor fossa of the femur and inserts on the proximal end of the third metatarsal bone, sharing a tendon with the long digital extensor. This arrangement is a key part of the stay apparatus, allowing the stifle and hock to extend together and helping the limb support weight with minimal muscular effort. The other options don’t create that femur-to-proximal-metatarsal connection. Navicular ligaments tie the navicular bone to surrounding tarsal bones, not the femur. The gracilis runs from the pelvis to the tibia, not to the proximal metatarsus. The cranial tibial tendon originates on the tibia and goes to the metatarsus, but not from the femur.

The structure that forms a direct link from the upper leg to the proximal metatarsus is the peroneus tertius. In horses, this muscle starts in the extensor fossa of the femur and inserts on the proximal end of the third metatarsal bone, sharing a tendon with the long digital extensor. This arrangement is a key part of the stay apparatus, allowing the stifle and hock to extend together and helping the limb support weight with minimal muscular effort.

The other options don’t create that femur-to-proximal-metatarsal connection. Navicular ligaments tie the navicular bone to surrounding tarsal bones, not the femur. The gracilis runs from the pelvis to the tibia, not to the proximal metatarsus. The cranial tibial tendon originates on the tibia and goes to the metatarsus, but not from the femur.