The femur is the strongest of the long bones and provides the origin and attachment for many muscles and tendons. This means that it is characteristically modelled for each species. Despite this it can be divided into three basic parts:

1. The Femoral Head

The head is offset from the main shaft of the femur, points in a medial direction and articulates with the acetabulum. It has a hemispherical articular surface with an associated notch, fovea capitis, which provides attachment for theintracapsular ligament. Lateral to the head is the greater trochanter. This process provides attachment to the gluteal muscles. The trochantic fossa separates the greater trochanter and the neck of the femur. It provides a site of insertion for the deep hip muscles. The lesser trochanter is a smaller process on the medial side that provides a site of attachment for the iliopsoas.

2. Femoral Shaft

The caudal surface is roughened proximally and is framed by the medial and lateral lips. These lips extend distally and enclose the popliteal surface. They also provide attachment for the adductor muscles.

3. Distal Extremity

This consists of the medial and lateral condyles caudally and a trochlea cranially. The condyles articulate with the tibia and menisci to form the femorotibial joint. The intercondylar fossa lies between the condyles and is separated from the popliteal surface by the intercondylar line. Both condyles are roughened on their abaxial surfaces, providing attachment for the collateral ligaments of the stifle joint. The extensor fossa is one of a pair of depressions on the lateral condyle. It is the more cranial of the two and forms an attachment point for the long digital extensor and third perineal muscle. The caudal depression gives origin to the popliteal muscle. On the caudal aspect of each condyle are facets for the articulation with the fabellae. These are sesamoid bones that are embedded in the tendinous insertion of the gastrocnemius. The trochlea is made up of two ridges and a groove that articulates with the patella to form thefemoropatellar joint.

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