THE ARTICULATIONS OF THE TARSUS OR HOCK-JOINT 



277 



rest on the head of the tibia or second thigh. They are hollowed out 

 above for the reception of the condyles, for which they form a bed. The 

 outer cartilage is attached in front to the base of the spine on the head 

 of the tibia, and behind by two slips, one to the notch between the con- 

 dyles, and the other to the upper and posterior part of the tibia. 



The inner cartilage is attached in front 

 and behind to the base of the spine on the 

 head of the tibia. 



This joint possesses three synovial mem- 

 branes, one of considerable extent enclosing 

 the articular surfaces of the patella, and 

 the two ridges or trochlea in front of the 

 femur, and one to each condyle of the 

 femur and its corresponding half of the 

 articular face of the tibia. 



The movements of this joint are essen- 

 tially those of flexion and extension, but it 

 also enjoys a limited power of rotation. 



TIBIO-FIBULAR ARTICULATION 



This joint, of very small dimensions 

 and of most limited action, is formed by 

 the union of the inner surface of the head 

 of the fibula with the upper and outer part 

 of the tibia. The two bones are connected 



Fig. 360. Posterior View of Stifle-joint 



1, Femur. 2, Tibia. 3, Fibula. 4, 

 External condyle. 5, Internal condyle. 

 j^i 6. Internal lateral ligament. 7, Posterior 



by short, strong fibres, which completely crucia i i igament . 8> Interna i int er-ar- 



ticular cartilage. 9, Posterior ligament of 

 cartilage. 10, External lateral ligament. 



surround the joint. 



THE ARTICULATIONS OF THE TARSUS OR HOCK-JOINT 



The so-called hock -joint, like the knee, is formed of a number of articu- 

 lations, by which the various bones are enabled to move one upon the 

 other. The extent of movement between the different pieces varies from 

 a slight gliding action to a great range of flexion and extension. 



In the tibio-tarsal articulation, or the "true hock -joint", seven 

 ligaments are engaged, viz., two external lateral, three internal lateral, 

 and an anterior and posterior. 



Both external lateral ligaments are attached above to the tuberosity 

 (outer maleolus) on the lower and outer part of the tibia. The superficial 

 one, the longer and stronger of the two, passes down the outer side of 



