34 



presents numerous depressions and channels, the latter being for 

 the passage of the blood vessels and nerves, and the former for 

 the attachment of the soft structures. 



The highest portion in front is called the pyi*amidal process, to 

 which is attached the tendon of the extensor pedis muscle. The 

 sole or inferior surface, which lies on the sensitive or vascular 

 sole, is slightly excavated and half -moon (crescent) shaped. 

 Immediately behind this is the tendinous surface, to which is 

 attached the tendon of the flexor pedis per for cms muscle. The 

 wings are irregular protuberances on the posterior part of the 

 wall. The articular surface is divided into two small grooves 

 separated by a slight ridge. The os pedis articulates above with 

 the OS cor once, and behind with the navicular bone. 



ANATOMY OF THE HOOF. 



The hoof of the horse corresponds to the finger nail of man. 

 By maceration (soaking) it is divisible into three distinct parts — 

 the wall, the sole, and the frog. 



The wall is that portion which is visible when the hoof rests 

 on the ground. It is generally divided into the toe, quarters, 

 heels, and bars. The toe forms the front of the hoof and is the 

 thickest part of the wall, which gradually declines in height as 

 it turns backward to form the quarters. These occupy the space 

 between the toe and the heel. The wall decreases in thickness 

 from in front backward, and more markedly so at the inner 

 portion. At the posterior part of the foot the walls take on each 

 side a sudden bend, forming an acute angle, and are continued 

 inw^ard to the center of the foot, where their two parts (the 

 bars) unite vnXh the sole. The exterior surface of the wall is 

 convex, smooth, and covered by a thin layer, i\iQ periople, which 

 is continuous above with the coronary band. The internal sur- 

 face of the wall presents throughout its whole extent parallel 

 perpendicular plates of horn, the insensitive or horny lamince, 

 numbering from 500 to 600, and are separated from each other 

 by deep fissures, in which are inserted the sensitive lamince. The 

 superior, or coronary, border of the wall presents an excavation 

 or groove which slopes somewhat obliquely downward and 

 inward, forming a circular gutter, in which is located the cor- 

 onary band or ligament. In this are numerous orifices, into 

 which are inserted the secreting villi of the coronary band. The 



