METACARPO-PHALANGEAL JOINTS 



207 



Crucial ligaments (Ligamenta phalango-sesamoidese) connect the sesamoids 

 with the proximal end of the opposite first phalanx. 



The intersesamoid ligament connects all four sesamoids, and extends upward 

 much less than in the horse. 



The lateral sesamoidean ligaments end almost entirely on the first phalanges. 



The superficial inferior sesamoidean ligament is absent. The middle inferior 

 sesamoidean ligaments of each digit are two short strong bands which extend from 

 the distal margins of the sesamoids to the proximal ends of the first phalanges. 

 The deep inferior sesamoidean ligaments are strong and distinctly crucial. 



Fig. 169. — Ligaments and Tendons of Digits of Pig, 

 Volar View. 

 a. Superficial flexor tendon; b, deep flexor tendon; 6', 

 branches of 6 to acces.sory digits; c, c' , annular ligaments; 

 d-d'" , ligaments of accessory digits; e, cruciate interdigital 

 ligaments; /, /', spiral band around the flexor tendons of 

 the accessory digits; g, abductor of accessory digit. (Ellen- 

 berger-Baum, Anat. d. Haustiere.) 



Fig. 170. — Ligaments and Tendons of P.\w of 

 Dog, Hind Limb, Volar View. 



a, a'. Superficial flexor tendon; b, tendon 

 to large pad; clumbricales muscles; d, interossei 

 muscles; e, f, annular ligaments at metatarso- 

 phalangeal joints; g, suspensory ligament of large 

 pad; h, digital annular ligaments; /, deep flexor 

 tendon; k, distal sesamoid; /, suspensory ligament 

 of k; m, suspensory ligament of digital pad; n, 

 digital pads. (EUenberger-Baum, Anat. d. Haus- 

 tiere.) 



The suspensory or superior sesamoidean ligament is more distinctly muscular 

 than in the horse— indeed in the young animal it consists almost entirely of 

 muscular tissue. At the distal third of the metacarpus it divides into three 

 branches. These give rise to five subdivisions, either by bifurcation of the lateral 

 branches or trifurcation of the middle branch. The four lateral bands end on the 

 sesamoid bones and the distal end of the large metacarpal bone, and detach slips 

 to the extensor tendons. The middle band passes through the groove between the 

 two divisions of the distal end of the metacarpus, and divides into two branches 



