THE HORSE. 



13 



FIBRO-CARTILAGINOUS STRUCTURES. 



Fibro-cartilage appears to be of an in- 

 termediate nature between ligament and 

 cartilage. Having a fibrous texture united 

 to a cartilaginous basis, it combines the 

 characteristic properties of both of the above 

 textures. 



Fibro-cartilaginous structures are found 

 to unite the bodies of the bones of the ver- 

 tebrae ; they then get the name of inter- verte- 

 bral substance. They impart great elasticity 

 to the spine, and also diminish the effects of 

 concussion. 



LIGAMENTOUS STRUCTURES. 



The ligamentous structures are dense; 

 possess a considerable degree of solidity in 

 some parts, while in others they are modi- 

 fications of fibrous membrane. The liga- 

 mentous system includes a number of parts 

 which have received different names, such 

 as ligaments, tendons, faschia aponeurosis, 

 capsules or bursee mucosa ; and fibres of 

 lisramentous matter also enter into the com- 

 position of other organs, imparting to them 

 different degrees of mechanical strength. 

 The ligamentous structures vary; we find 

 that in some places they are expanded into 

 faschia, etc., at others they collect into dense, 

 enlongated cords. The first division in- 



cludes fibrous membranes, fibrous capsules, 

 tendinous sheaths, and aponsurosis.- 



Fibrous membranes : these resemble or- 

 dinary membranes, only that their fibres are 

 denser. The periosteum is a membrane of 

 this description, and the dura mater has a 

 similar structure. 



Fibrous capsules are presented in the 

 form of sacs, which surround various ten- 

 dons and joints. These capsules are also 

 lined by a synovial membrane, which secretes 

 the synovia. 



Tendinous sheaths are formed by fibrous 

 membranes which surround the tendons, in 

 those parts that are subjected to friction, or 

 liable to displacement, during the action of 

 the muscles which move the joint. 



Aponeurosis are those extended sheets 

 of fibrous texture which in some instances 

 form coverings of parts, while in others 

 they constitute points of attachment to 

 muscles. In the former case they are termed 

 faschiee, and either surround the muscles of 

 a limb, forming a sheath for it, or else invest 

 or confine some particular muscle. 



In the latter case the aponeurosis presents 

 broad, or narrow, surfaces and fibres which 

 give attachment to particular portions of 

 muscle. 



