414 OPEN SYNOVIAL CAVITIES. 
must ensue upon the accident will more effectually remove it than could 
hogsheads of water, however unfeelingly it might be employed. 
The part having been rendered clean, the wound is to be attentively 
observed. When nothing but blood or serum, or thin, discolored fluid 
can be seen, this argues the more important structures are entire. Should 
there be among, and yet distinct from, those discharges, a transparent, 
glairy liquid flowing forth, such is absolute proof some synovial mem- 
brane has been severed. The size of the current and the abundance of 
the secretion are also evidences not to be despised. Probabilities may 
be inferred from these circumstances. If the amount of the synovia be 
small, there is hope that a bursa only has been interfered with; when the 
amount is large, it demonstrates that either a sheath is punctured or the 
joint itself may have been opened. Synovial cavities between bones 
may be larger, and are much more active than the sheaths of tendons; 
therefore the magnitude of the current should be observed; although, 
when the integrity of many parts has been destroyed, little absolute 
dependence will be placed upon the comparative quantity of the syno- 
vial secretion. 
Anatomy is, under the circumstances, a fair guide. Where numerous 
structures are involved, a well-grounded learning is requisite for accu- 
rate judgment; but as regards the knee of the horse, the spot whence 
No. 1. 
THE TENDONS WHICH CROSS THE OUTSIDE OF THE THE TENDONS WHICH CROSS THE INSIDE OF THE 
KNEE-JOINT. ENEE-JOINT. 
Explanation of No 1. Explanation of No. 2. 
1, The extensor metacarpi tendon. 1. The extensor metacarpi tendon. 
The extensor metacarpi obliquus tendon. 
2. The extensor metacarpi obliquus tendon. 
. The flexor metacarpi internus tendon. 
3. The extensor pedis tendon. 
gets 
4,5, 7. Connecting and restraining bands between 4. The back sinews. 
the tendons. The letter a denotes the only spot where 
6. The extensor suffraginis tendon. the knee-joint could probably be opened 
8. The flexor metacarpi externus tendon. by a fall without lacerating a synovial 
9. The back sinews. heath or injuring a tendon. 
the synovial discharge issues is of all importance. The incision must 
either be very deep and gaping, (all subjacent structures being divided 
before the knee-joint can be exposed,) or else the wound must affect a 
very circumscribed place. The reader, by consulting the above ana- 
tomical engravings of the horse’s knee, will remark how closely it is laced 
