THE LIGAMENTUM NUCH^E in 



this at frequent intervals in order that the animal may be as far as 

 possible maintained in good condition. For this purpose nutritive 

 enemata are also indicated. Some operators restrict the movement 

 of the inferior maxilla by the application of a tight nose-trap. 



Whilst dealing with this joint, the operator is here reminded of 

 the close proximity of the seventh nerve, the branch of the fifth 

 nerve, and the transverse facial artery and vein to the condyle. 



THE LIGAMENTUM NUCHtE AND THE REGION OF 

 THE ATLAS— POLL-EVIL 



The ligamentum nuchae is the largest ligament in the body, 

 and in the horse it is particularly well developed. It is situate 

 longitudinally in the median plane of the cervical region, superiorly 

 to the vertebral column. In structure it is entirely composed of 

 yellow elastic tissue, which renders it more effective in performing its 

 function of assisting to suspend the head, and aiding the muscles to 

 restore it to its elevated position after it has been depressed. 



The ligament consists of two main divisions, termed respectively 

 right and left, and each of these again comprises funicular and 

 lamellar portions. 



The funicular portion is in the form of a cord, which runs from 

 the summit of the fourth dorsal spine, where it is continuous with the 

 supra-spinous ligament, to the special tubercle on the upper aspect of 

 the supra-occiput. In the middle line it is closely applied to the cor- 

 responding portion of the opposite division, and both cord-like portions 

 are slightly curved with the concavity of the curve directed upwards. 



The lamellar portion is in the form of a sheet which is triangular 

 in shape, the apex of the triangle being directed forwards. It arises 

 from the summits of the second and third dorsal spines and from the 

 inferior surface of the funicular portion. Its fibres take an oblique 



