378 THE HORSE. 
with the upper and inner edge of the tuberosity of the tibia. 
to the internal semilunar cartilage 
The crucial or interosseous ligaments are placed at the posterior part of 
the joint, external to the synovial membrane, but partially invested by it. 
Their direction is oblique, so that they cross or decussate somewhat like 
the letter X. One is named the anterior, the other the posterior. The 
Anterior is fixed by its inferior extremity to the groove formed on the 
summit of the tibial spine, and by its superior extremity to the inter- 
condyloid hollow, and to the inner part of the external condyle. The 
fibres which enter into its composition are slightly bent and spiral. The 
Posterior, longer than the preceding, and oblique, is attached inferiorly 
to the back part of the pit behind the tibial spine, and superiorly to the 
fore part of the inter-condyloid hollow, as well as slightly to the side 
of the inner condyle of the femur; its fibres are directed upwards and 
forwards. 
The posterior ligament, ligamentum posticum, belongs to the class of 
membranous ligaments; it is formed of white and yellow fibres, which 
interlace with one another in different ways, an“ is pierced by numerous 
phoning: for the transit of blood-vessels, &c. It is attached by its superior 
border beneath the condyles of the femur, and 
by its inferior to the posterior circumference 
of the superior tibial surface. Its internal 
surface embraces the condyles of the femur, 
and adheres to the posterior crucial ligament, 
as well as to the inter-articular semilunar car- 
tilages. 
The transverse ligament.—Towards the front 
of the joint the convex borders of the inter- 
articular fibro-cartilages are connected together 
by a transverse band, denominated the trans- 
verse ligament. 
Under the head of the capsular ligament are 
described certain strong portions of fibrous 
membrane which cover exposed parts of the 
synovial sac. The first, the longest and 
strongest, terminates in the pit situated on the 
inter-condyline hollow. The second, thin and 
flattened, is inserted upon the external surface 
of the tibia. The third passes from the outer 
edge of the patella to the external condyle of 
the femur (see 1, Figs. 21 and 22). The fourth 
It adheres 
Fic. 21.—EXTERNAL VIEW OF THE 
LEFT STIFLE JOINT. 
the capsular ligament, con- 
necting the patella with 
the external condyle. 
. 8. Great ligament of the pa- 
tella. 
. 4. External ligament of the 
patella. 
. 5. Semilunar fibro-cartilages. 
corresponds with this on the inner side of the 
A. Femur. joint. These are sometimes described as inde- 
B. External condyle of femur. ; 
C. ‘rochlea. pendent ligaments. 
a 2. LIGAMENTS OF THE PATELLA. The ex- 
ee ternal lateral ligament is the longest and 
. g Ss. . 
Bi eat ATM TSE fisaent: or Strongest, being a flattened band attached by 
its inferior extremity to the supero-anterior 
point of the tuberosity of the tibia, and by its 
superior to the anterior surface of the patella. 
This ligament is united to the internal kga- 
ment by an aponeurotic expansion, which is 
very resisting. 
Lhe internal ligament of the patella forms also a flattened band, longer, 
