284 



ARTICULATIONS. 



The Posterior Pubic Ligament consists of a few thin, scattered fibres, which 

 unite the two pubic bones posteriorly. 



The Superior Pubic Ligament is a band of fibres, which connects together 

 the two pubic bones superiorly. 



The Sub-pubic Ligament is a thick, triangular arch of ligamentous fibres, 

 connecting together the two pubic bones below, and forming the upper boun- 

 dary of the pubic arch. Above, it is blended with the interarticular fibro- 

 cartilage ; laterally, with the rami of the pubes. Its fibres are of a yellowish 

 color, closely connected, and have an arched direction. 



Fig. 196. Vertical Section of the Symphysis Pubis. 

 Made near its Posterior Surface. 



The Interarticular Fibro-cartilage consists of two oval-shaped plates, one 

 covering the surface of each symphysis pubis. They vary in thickness in 

 different subjects, and project somewhat beyond the level of the bones, espe- 

 cially behind. The outer surface of each plate, is firmly connected to the bone 

 by a series of nipple-like processes, which accurately fit within corresponding 

 depressions on the osseous surface. Their opposed surfaces are connected in 

 the greater part of their extent, by an intermediate elastic fibrous tissue ; and 

 by their circumference to the various ligaments surrounding the joint. An 

 interspace is left between the plates at the upper and back part of the articula- 

 tion, where the fibrous tissue is deficient, and the surface of the fibro-cartilage 

 is lined by epithelium. This space is found at all periods of life, both in the 

 male and female ; but it is larger in the latter, especially during pregnancy, 

 and after parturition. It is most frequently limited to the upper and back part 

 of the joint; but it occasionally reaches to the front, and may extend the entire 

 length of the cartilages. This structure may be easily demonstrated, by 

 making a vertical section of the symphysis pubis near its posterior surface. 



The Obturator Ligament is more properly regarded as analogous to the mus- 

 cular fasciae, with which it will therefore be described. 



ARTICULATIONS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY. 



The Articulations of the Upper Extremity may be arranged in the following 

 groups : 



VII. Wrist-joint. 



VIII. Articulations of the Carpal bones. 

 III. " 

 IV. 



I. Sterno-clavicular articulation. 

 II. Scapulo-clavicular articulation. 



Proper Ligaments of the Scapula. 



Shoulder-joint. 

 V. Elbow-joint. 

 VI. Radio-ulnar articulations. 



IX. Carpo-metacarpal articulations. 

 X. Metacarpo-phalangeal articula- 

 tions. 

 XI. Articulations of the Phalanges. 



