LAMENESS IN THE HIND-LEG. 



79 



mentioned is less developed in the hind-leg, it, together 

 with the flexor pedis perforans and perforatus, helps to fix 

 the stifle and hock joints, sustaining the equilibrium of the 

 limb. Whenever the weight of the body causes the fetlock 



J .-^ 



-•^ 



Fia. 13. 

 1. Upper insertion of flexor perforatus ; 2, do. of gastrocnemii ; 3, do. 

 of ilexor metatarsi ; 4, lower insertion of flexor metatarsi ; 5, do. of 

 extensor pedis ; 6, do. of gastrocnemii ; 7, do. of flexor perforans. 



to descend, and thus tightens the check apparatus, the 

 inferior extremity of the femur is pulled down and backward. 

 This same act has also a tendency to extend the stifle joint 

 and to fix it ; the supporting leg, therefore, is provided with 

 a fixed stifle joint, which in return means that all other 

 joints are also fixed. The stifle joint is fixed by the tightened 



