100 



VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY 



change in the consciousness which may accompany the appli- 

 cation of a stimulus and the reaction. 



Special Neuro-Museular Mechanisms of the Horse 



1. In standing the weight of the body is chiefly slung by the 

 serrati magni on the scapulae, which are supported by the bony 

 column of the fore limb, the flexors and extensors maintain- 

 ing the condition of partial flexion at the elbow joint, and the 

 bend at the fetlock being supported by the strong superior 

 sesamoidean ligament. The posterior common ligament of the 



FIG. 44. The Walk. (ELLENBERGER.) 



carpus is upon the stretch and acts as a further stay. The 

 hind limbs are used alternately to support the weight of the 

 posterior part of the body, that not in use being partly flexed 

 and resting on the toe. From the fact that the hind legs are 

 less straight than the fore legs, more muscular work is required 

 in using them as supports. 



2. The movements of the horse at the different paces have 

 been analysed by instantaneous photography. 



(1) Walk. The body being balanced on 'three legs, as shown 

 in fig. 44, one fore leg is advanced, the body moves forward 

 on the corresponding hind leg and the opposite hind foot leaves 

 the ground before the fore foot reaches it, so that for a moment 



