174 Anatomv of the Rabbit. 



The phalanges are distributed according to the formula 

 O) 3. 3> 3>'3. the terminal, lingual phalanges being.modified like those 

 of the anterior limb. 



SESAMOID BONES. 



The sesamoid bones of the posterior limb occur at the knee- 

 joint and on the plantar surface of the foot. On the anterior 

 surface of the knee is the knee-pan or patella, through which, as 

 indicated above, the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle is 

 carried over the knee and continued as the patellar ligament to the 

 tuberosity of the tibia. On the posterior surface there are three 

 sesamoid bones, of which one lies in association with the medial 

 condyle of the femur, while the remaining two are associated 

 respectively with the lateral condyle of the femur and that of the 

 tibia. The sesamoids of the foot are situated at the metatarso- 

 phalangeal joints and at those connecting the second and third 

 phalanges. 



