ANTERIOR MEMBER. 



229 



The second only takes place when the member, sufficiently relieved from the 

 weight it supports, is projected forward to complete the step and assume its con- 

 tact. It has attained its extreme limit as soon as the two segments are placed in 

 a straight line, as they were during station. 



As to the displacements which the carpal bones undergo, the one upon the 

 other, their importance is considerable in relation with the distribution of the 

 quantity of force upon the metacarpal surfaces. Their multiple facets, indeed, 

 represent so many inclined planes which deaden the concussion and disseminate 

 it upon the powerful ligaments which unite these bones. 



Form. — The anatomical details which we have summarily reviewed are 

 indispensable in order to conceive an exact idea of the external aspect of a well- 

 constituted knee. 



The skin, in horses of the finer and more nervous races, is thin, covers all 

 irregularities of the region, and shows its contour with the most perfect details. 

 Also it is in these that the characters of a beautiful conformation can be best 

 studied. 



Viewed on the anterior face (Fig. 67, A), the knee appears slightly rounded 

 from side to side, and a little wider above than below. It offers on its middle an 



D 



Fig. 67. 



elongated eminence, the termination of the tendon of the anterior extensor of the 

 metacarpus. Two curved lines circumscribe it on the sides : the internal, very 

 marked, commences at the tuberosity of the radius ; the external begins almost 

 on the same level, but makes a less salient angle ; both terminate quite abruptly 

 at the canon below the head of the rudimentary metacarpal bones. 



Examined in profile from the external side (Fig. 67, £), its anterior line, 

 almost straight, continues that of the forearm ; two eminences, scarcely marked, 

 modify it slightly and indicate the relief of the two rows of carpal bones. Its 

 posterior line, on the contrary, presents a very pronounced angle, formed by the 

 supra-carpal bone, below, which it curves obliquely forward upon the tendons. 

 Between these two lines there are two prominences which indicate the external 

 tuberosity of the radius, above, and the head of the corresponding splint bone, 

 below. The branch from the tendon of the lateral extensor of the phalanges 

 joining that of the anterior extensor is detached below the latter. 



