55 



dinate growth. Injuries to these tendons are less frequent than 

 to the flexors, A very disastrous lesion of the tendon of the 

 .extensor pedis is one upon the part just where it is inserted 

 into the coffin bone, from a severe tread or calk. It is more 

 serious here than a similar injury elsewhere, for the reason, I 

 presume, that the principal point of connection is either weak- 

 ened, or entirely severed in a case of a severe character. 



ACCESSORIES OF THE EXTENSORS. 



The Extensors are not without their adjuncts or accessories. 

 The Extensor Suffraginis is assisted by the Ligamentum Ex- 

 tensorium that springs from the outer part of the capsular 

 ligament of the knee, and the outer metacarpal bone, taking a 

 winding course downwards and forwards towards the fetlock, 

 where it blends with its principal. The Extensor Pedis has a 

 much more complex accessory to aid it, withal, a very important 

 one to understand the arrangement of. It has its superior 

 attachment to the head of the large metacarpal bone on its 

 posterior aspecti, mmediately below its articulating border. 

 It lies between the small metacarpals in close apposition to the 

 large metacarpal, and for two-thirds the length of that bone it 

 is a very powerful undivided ligament. At the commence- 

 ment of the lower third it divides into two parts, each part 

 attaching itself, one to the inner, and the other to the outer 

 Sesamoid bone. They traverse these bones and leave them 

 somewhat diminished in calibre, and each winds itself around 

 the pastern obliquely to the front where it blends with the 

 extensor pedis. The undivided portion of this curious liga- 

 ment is said to contain elastic fibres, which therefore would 

 render it extensible in a slight degree when its strength would 

 be severely taxed. 



It will be seen that the accessories of the flexors act in a 

 direct line with their principals ; while that of the extensor 

 suffraginis proceeds from the side obliquely to the front ; and 

 that of the extensor pedis proceeds from behind and winds 

 around to the front to render their assistance. 



