ARTICULATIONS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES. 315 



but a distinct synovial capsule is sometimes formed between 

 the base of the third and fourth metatarsals. 



One synovial membrane is reflected over the surfaces, be- 

 tween the cuboides and the last two metatarsals, and sends in 

 a process between the latter. In all these cases the synovial 

 membranes line the dorsal and plantar ligaments of their re- 

 spective articulations. 



Of the Metatarsal Articulations. 



The metatarsal bones, with the exception of the first, articu- 

 late with each other by the contiguous faces of their roots; 

 which has just been stated, along with the manner of their get- 

 ting at these points, a lining of synovial membrane. They are 

 farther fastened to each other by short transverse ligamentous 

 fasciculi, which pass from the base of one to the base of the 

 adjoining. These fasciculi exist both on the upper and under 

 surface of the bones, and are, therefore, denominated dorsal 

 and plantar metatarsal ligaments. There is also a description 

 of interosseous ligament between the bases of these bones, oc- 

 cupying the space intermediate to the dorsal and plantar liga- 

 ments of each. 



The anterior extremities of the metatarsal bones are not in 

 contact; they are, however, fastened to each other by a trans- 

 verse or Anterior Plantar ligament on their under surface, the 

 fibres of which are somewhat blended with the capsular liga- 

 ments of the first joints of the toes. 



Of the First Joint of the Toes. 



The surfaces of the bones here being covered with cartilage, 

 are formed into an arthrodial articulation. There is a fibrous 

 capsule surrounding the articular faces, and enclosing the sy- 

 novial membrane. This capsule is considerably thickened be- 

 low, where the flexor tendons pass over it ; above, it does not 

 exist, as the extensor tendon is there lined by the synovial 

 membrane: on each side it is also thickened, so as to form a 

 lateral ligament. In the under part of the capsule of the great 

 toe, we find on each side the sesamoid bone. These joints re- 



