CHAPTER III. 



LAMENESS IN THE FORE-LEG. 



Anatomo-Physiological Review. 



The fore-leg supports the bodj while at rest, hanging 

 from the body and swinging forward during movement. 

 In the former position it is known as the supporting leg, in 

 the latter as the swinging leg. Aponeuroses and muscles 

 interwoven with fibrous tissue,— and of these the serratus 

 magnus is the most important one,— firmly unite the scapula 

 and humerus to the body. A solid connection between the 

 limb and body, entirely independent of purely muscular 

 elements, exists. This fibrous union diminishes concussion, 

 helps carry the weight of the body, and finally holds the limb 

 in place. Some muscles of that region are traversed by a 

 strong fibrous cord, especially the flexor brachii, and nearly 

 all the muscles below the elbow show fibrous intersections 

 from their origin to their movable insertion. In this manner 

 union and harmonious working of the articulations is 

 established. 



Flexion of the shoulder joint is limited by the flexor 

 brachii, it acting as a check to the joint in the supporting leg. 

 The phalanges, so to speak, rest upon the flexor tendons, as 

 they are firmly united to them at the lower part of the leg. 

 Consequently tightening of the flexors immobilizes all 

 joints below the elbow joint, without expenditure of muscular 



