SP1U1NS OF TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS OF THE FOltE-LEG. 337 



on by the muscles above, they are the passive agents or ropes, if we may 

 use the expression, by which the leg is raised, whenever the horse is in 

 motion. From the great stress thrown on them in these duties, we 

 frequently find them sprained in all horses, and especially in those whose 

 work takes place in deep ground. The Flexor tendons are marked A 

 and B in Plate 27. 



The seat of sprain and consequent swelling is usually in the lower half 

 towards the fetlock. The injury occurs more often here than in the 

 upper portion, because that part derives strength and assistance from the 

 Metacarpal ligament. 



677. Duties and description of Ligaments. 



The ligaments in the horse may be divided into Connective, Capsular, 

 Annular, and Supporting or Suspensory. 



Connective Ligaments unite the extremities of bones. 



Capsular Ligaments confine the joint oil secreted from glands on their 

 internal surface which lubricates the opposing ends of bones. 



Annular (or Ring-liJie) Ligaments bind down tendons that pass over 

 joints for the production or regulation, of progression. 



Supporting or Sus2iensory Ligaments are, like the preceding ones, in- 

 sensitive and do not need the periodical rest which sleep affords to 

 muscles and other structures of higher vitality. They support to a very 

 considerable extent the weight of the body. 



678. Duties of the superior Sesamoideal or true Suspensory Ligament. 



This is the prominent sinew felt through the skin between the cannon 

 or great bone of the leg, and the flexor tendons. It is particularly to be 

 noted that it lies under the flexor tendons (see Plate 27). It starts from 

 the back and uppermost part of the cannon bone, occupying the space* 

 between the splint bones. It bifurcates, i. e. divides opposite the middle 

 third of the cannon bone, one branch proceeding to the outer side of each 

 sesamoid, with which and the lateral ligaments it is intimately blended, 

 giving off a slip on each side, which proceed downwards and forwards, 

 until inserted into the tendon of the extensor pedis. 



We have termed this the true suspensory ligament, because if it be 

 divided in its main trunk, the fetlock will at once come to the ground. 



A great part of the weight of the horse is borne by it, when the foot 

 comes to the ground. And on account of the great share which it has 

 in sustaining weight, the suspensory ligament is often sprained, more 

 often indeed than the neighbouring tendons. The swelling and soreness 

 arising therefrom shows itself at the point of its occurrence, *. e. between 

 the shank bone and the flexor tendons. (Please see third sentence, para- 

 graph 681.) On account of its position under the flexor tendons, it is 

 more difficult to apply treatment to it, than to the tendons, which lie over 

 it. Hence it is more difficult of repair. 



The superior sesamoideal ligament lias the peculiarity of being compa- 

 ratively clastic, and hence is useful in breaking or diminishing the con- 



22 



