38 THE SURGICAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE 



anteriorly two tendons are seen closely applied and superposed to one 

 another. These are the tendons of the superficial and deep divisions of 

 the flexor metatarsi muscle. To the outer side of these tendons the 

 tendon of the extensor pedis muscle will be observed. 



On the antero-external aspect of the joint there will be noticed 

 the large metatarsal artery, a short distance behind the tendon of the 

 extensor pedis. Behind the artery is the extensor brevis muscle, also 

 superficially placed ; and behind this again is the tendon ot the peroneus 

 muscle, posteriorly to which we have the external lateral ligament of 

 the joint extending on to the outer aspect of the cuboid. 



In Plate X. is shown a transverse section of the middle third of 

 the metatarsal region of the left hind limb. The Plate is chiefly taken 

 up by the large metatarsal bone. This, it will be observed, is, in section, 

 almost circular in outline, being much less compressed from before to 

 behind than the corresponding bone of the fore limb {i.e., the large 

 metacarpal). 



On the anterior aspect of the bone, but slightly removed towards 

 the outer side from the median line, is a large tendon. This is the 

 tendon formed by the union of the tendon of the peroneus muscle with 

 that of the extensor pedis, which union takes place slightly higher up 

 the limb than the level of the section. 



Articulated posteriorly to the large metatarsal are the small meta- 

 tarsal bones, one on either side. These are placed closer together 

 than are the corresponding bones of the fore limb. In section, each 

 approaches the triangular in outline, the apex of the triangle being 

 directed forwards. 



Each of the small metatarsals forms anteriorly with the large meta- 

 tarsal, a groove. In the outer of these two grooves a large vessel will 

 be observed. This is the large metatarsal artery, which runs down 

 the limb in this groove to pass between the outer small and large 

 metatarsal bones just above the fetlock, where it divides under 

 the bifurcation of the suspensory ligament into the two digital 



