CAPSULAR LIGAMENTS. 



33 



greater or less distance from the articular cartilage, and they 

 adhere so strongly that it is easier to break the bone or the 

 ligament than to tear it from the spot where it is planted. 

 The membranous ligaments capsulary ligaments or fibrous 

 capsules are like a circular band of which the two openings 

 are fastened to the bones which they unite. The fibrous 

 pads or cushions which run round the circumference of cer- 

 tain articular cavities are also considered as ligaments. 

 They increase the depth of these cavities, and give greater 



Fig. 12. Elbow-joint. 

 A. H-umerus. B. Ulna. C. Radius. 



solidity to their borders, upon which the osseous extremity 

 received there exerts considerable pressure. 



Such is the assemblage of apparatus comprised in the 

 joints. The most perfect machine which man has ever been 

 able to construct bears no comparison to the admirable 

 mechanism of which we have just endeavoured to give a 

 general idea, in the precision, delicacy, and variety of their 

 organs or of their movements. Even in their most com- 

 plicated parts, machines invented by man offer nothing but 



