210 COMPARATIVE ARTHROLOGY 



of the tibia; the movement here is imperceptible, as the two bones are closely 

 united by strong peripheral fibers. 



Pig. — The superior joint is provided with a capsule which is reinforced in 

 front and behind by fibrous tissue. 



The interosseous ligament attaches the shaft of the fibula to the outer border 

 of the tibia. 



The inferior joint is included in the capsule of the hock joint, and is strength- 

 ened by oblique anterior and posterior ligaments. There is also an interosseus 

 ligament. 



Dog. — The arrangement is essentially the same as in the pig, but there is no 

 interosseous ligament in the inferior joint. 



HOCK JOINT 



Ox. — There is very considerable mobility at the first intertarsal joint, the 

 capsule of which is correspondingly roomy. The short external lateral ligament 

 is attached below on the til^ial tarsal only. A strong transverse ligament attaches 

 the external malleolus (distal end of the fibula) to the back of the tibial tarsal bone. 

 The dorsal or oblique ligament is narrow and thin. 



Pig. — The arrangement in general resembles that of the ox. 



Dog. — The long lateral ligaments are very small, and the short ones double. 

 The plantar ligament is weak, and ends on the fourth metacarpal bone. No 

 distinct dorsal (or oblique) ligament is present. Movement occurs almost ex- 

 clusively at the tibio-tarsal joint. 



The remaining joints resemble those of the thoracic limb. 



