LIGAMENTS OF THE FINGERS. 161 



The CARPO-METACARPAL ARTICULATIONS are maintained 

 .by dorsal and palmar ligaments, excepting in the thumb, 

 which has a capsular ligament connecting it with the tra- 

 pezium. 



The metacarpal bones are united at their bases by trans- 

 verse dorsal, and palmar ligaments, and by interosseous 

 ligaments, which pass between their contiguous surfaces ; 

 these may be demonstrated by tearing the bones apart when 



Ee dissection is completed. 

 The METACARPO-PHALANGEAL ARTICULATIONS are main- 

 ined by anterior and lateral ligaments, and by transverse 

 laments, which hold together the heads of the metacarpal 

 >nes of the four fingers. The extensor tendon of the finger 

 kes the place of a posterior ligament. 

 The PHALANGEAL ARTICULATIONS have three ligaments ; 

 the anterior, firm and fibre-cartilaginous, and grooved for 

 the flexor tendons ; the lateral ligaments, one on each side, 

 triangular in form, the apex being attached to the pha- 

 lanx in front, and the base to the tubercle at the side of the 

 phalanx behind. The extensor tendons supply the place of 

 posterior ligaments. 



14* 



