84 



THE PKOTECTIVE STKUCTUKES OF THE FOOT. 



which represents a transverse section of these parts. The inner- 

 most or laminal sheath is the real means of union between the 

 horny wall and sensitive lamime, because the former is the 

 derivative of the latter and intimately united to the middle 

 layer. 



Pambach's researches (" Beitrag zur Anat. und Physiol, der 

 Blattchenschicht des Pferdehufes," Dcr Hvfschmied, iv., Jahr- 

 gang 1886, pp. 137 and following) on twenty-four horses show that 

 the average number of horny lamina3 is 554. Fambach states 

 that at the toe fifty lamina.' occupy an average space of 18'5 

 millimetres ; at the quarters So millimetres ; at the heels 29"36 

 millimetres, and at the bars 38*9 millimetres. Fambach specially 

 mentions that there is a distinct difference between fiat hoofs 

 (that is, such as form an angle of less than 45°) and upright 

 hoofs. In Hat hoofs the spaces between the laminae become 

 relatively greater towards the heel, while in upright hoofs they 

 remain approximately the same. 



Fambach further found that the depth or breadth of a 

 horny lamina — that is, the distance between the horny wall and 

 the free central margin of the lamina — was in direct proportion 

 to the thickness of the wall with which it was connected. In 

 Hat feet the laminae at the heels were narrower in proportion 

 to the thinness of the wall. According to his measurements, 

 which were in each case made in the centre of the particular 

 section of the wall and perpendicular to the lamime, the depth 

 (or breadth) was : — 



In Flat Feet. 

 At the toe, 4 to 5 mm. 

 „ quarter, 3 to 4i „ 

 „ heel, 1 to 2i 



'2 " 



lu Upriglit Feet. 

 At the toe, 3^ to 4 mm 

 „ quarter, 2i- to 3i- ,, 

 „ heel, 2h to 3 „ 



2. The Hoeny Sole 

 (Figs. 45 and 46, /, and 48, g) 



Is produced by the sensitive sole, and takes the form of a 

 strong plate, covering the greater part of the under surface of 

 the foot. It consists of hard horn, which, however, is not so 

 tough as that of the wall. After a time, j)ortions loosen in the 

 form of flakes or plates, and either break away by themselves 



