.STRUCTURE OF THE HOCK JOINT 211 



11. The extensor pedis ^ described at /?, fig. i. 



0. An inside view of the perforating muscle of the foot. 



/. The veins of the posterior part of the leg. 



V. The ligamentous bands, which are of such importance in 



confining the tendons at the bending of the hock. 

 w. Immediately behind the bend of the hock, at «•, from the 

 anterior superior part of the metatarsal bone, issues a 

 thin layer of fleshy fibres, enveloped in cellular 

 substance, and concealed in part of the tendon of the 

 extensor pedis^ with which (about one-fourth of the 

 cannon downward) they form a union, and make 

 some addition to its substance. In action, these 

 supplementary fibres will brace the tendon, and are 

 probably furnished to prevent it from being com- 

 pressed by the flexion of the hock. 

 y^y. The large cutaneous vein, or vein immediately under 

 the skin. 

 s. The inguinal vein, which is one of rather large size, 

 coming from the groin, which owes its formation to 

 a considerable branch emanating from the muscles of 

 the thigh, and the above superficial or cutaneous 

 abdominal vein. The femoral vein is the continua- 

 tion of the external iliac trunk below the brim of the 

 pelvis, and becoming the main channel into which 

 the deep-seated veins of the hind extremity pour 

 their blood. 



STRUCTURE OF THE HOCK JOINT. 

 PLATE VIII, Fig. i. 



This is one of the most important points of the 

 animal, and which ought to be thoroughly known by 

 all who possess a horse. We are convinced that 

 this is much more frequently the seat of disease and 

 lameness than is suspected. Besides, upon the proper 

 formation of this joint, the value and excellence of 

 the horse chiefly depends. 



As the knee answers to the wrist of man, and is 



