The Muscles and Their Work. 27 



a sheath formed by the trapezium and binding (an- 

 nular) ligament, thence down the back of the cannon 

 bone. The one lying in front (the flexor pedis perfo- 

 rans) lies just behind the suspensory ligament, goes over 

 the sesanioids, little round bones at the back of the fet- 

 lock, down the back of the pastern until it passes over 

 the shuttle bone (os naviculare), which has a smooth, 

 pulley-like surface, and is then inserted (fastened) into 

 the under side of the coffin bone. It is of interest to 

 know that this muscle is re-inforced just below the knee 

 by what is known as the check ligament. When dis- 

 cussing the joints, structures called ligaments were men- 

 tioned and their functions described ; in connection with 

 the muscular tissues, there are what are known as sus- 

 pensory and check ligaments, whose offices are to render 

 assistance in a greater or less degree to muscles. The 

 suspensory ligaments are very powerful, and if the back 

 tendons were severed would prevent the fetlock sinking 

 to the ground. The suspensory ligament lies right behind 

 the cannon and between the two splint bones, it originates 

 at the lower row of knee bones and passes to the fetlock, 

 a short distance above which it divides into two bands, 

 which are inserted to the sesamoids, parts of the liga- 

 ment, however, pass down and forward and unite with 

 the muscle (extensor pedis) that extends the foot. It is 

 a question whether this ligament is capable of stretching, 

 in dogs, cats and pigs its place is taken by a muscle, in 

 man by two muscles. The check ligament (carpal stay) 

 is a continuation of a powerful ligament which fills in 

 the spaces at the back of the knee joint, as stated; it 

 assists one of the back tendons. The rear- most tendon 



