152 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



5. Excoriations following vesicants or revulsives. These should induce the 

 buyer to examine with care the state of the lungs, for these agents are some- 

 times intentionally applied here to divert the attention from the place which 

 should more particularly require their application. 



Let us say, finally, that in some instances the abdomen may be distended, 

 tympanitic, and painful to pressure. These symptoms indicate acute or chronic 

 inflammation of the digestive viscera, or the peritoneum, or the presence of 

 diverse profound lesions which we shall here only hint at. 



CHAPTER IV. 



LATERAL FACES OF THE BODY. 



A. The Costal Region ; Ribs ; Sides. 



Situation ; Limits ; Anatomical Base. The region of the 

 ribs is situated upon the lateral parts of the trunk, below the back, 

 behind the shoulder and arm, in front of the flank, and above the 

 xiphoid region and the abdomen. 



It has for its base the last twelve ribs, which are not concealed by the 

 shoulder, and which are covered by the great dorsal, the great serratus, and the 

 great oblique muscles of the abdomen ; the intercostal muscles, external and 

 internal, fill the spaces which exist between them. 



Movements. In the normal state, the ribs execute regularly alternative 

 movements of elevation and depression, more or less extensive according to the 

 state of respiration and the numerous circumstances which modify its rhythm. 

 These movements, especially perceptible under the skin of emaciated horses, are 

 of two kinds : the first movement takes place during inspiration, and is explained 

 by an augmentation of the intercostal spaces and the rotation of the ribs forward 

 and their abduction from the median line ; it corresponds to the dilatation of the 

 thoracic cavity and the lungs ; the second movement, coinciding with expiration, 

 consists in the approximation of the ribs and in their rotation backward and 

 inward ; it corresponds to the contraction of the thorax and the compression of 

 the lungs. 



Form. Slightly flattened towards its superior part, and much 

 more rounded as it is examined more posteriorly, this region presents 

 two opposite conformations. The ribs are called round when they 

 describe, as a whole, a well-defined convexity from above to below ; 

 they are flat in the contrary disposition. 



Beauties. The due curvature of the ribs, their definite separation 

 from each other, and their full development in length are three absolute 

 beauties, or points of excellence, to be desired in all horses, whatever 



