THE LIMBS OF THE HORSE 



73 



The ligaments of the carpal joint may be classified as (1) those 

 common to the whole series of articulations, (2) those joining two or 

 three bones together, and (3) those particularly connected with the 

 accessory (pisiform) bone. 



The common ligaments consist of a joint capsule and two collaterals. 



Joint capsule (capsula articularis).— The fibrous layer of the capsule 

 is of considerable thickness, especially on the volar aspect of the carpus. 

 It IS attached to the radius close to its articular margin, the dorsal and 



Intermediate carpal bone 

 (lunar). 



1. 

 Lig. coUfi.terale laterale. . 



Ulnar carpal bone 

 (cuneiform). 

 Fourth carpal bone 

 (unciform). 



Fourth metacarpal bone 

 Third metacarpal bone. _ _ 



Radius. 



_Radial carpal bone 

 (scaphoid). 



. -Lig. collaterale mediale. 



Third carpal bone 

 (magnum). 



_ _ Second imetaoarpal bone. 



Fig. 51. — Dorsal (anterior) Aspect of the Carpal Articulations. 



1. = Dorsal ligaments connecting the bones of the proximal row. 



2. = Dorsal ligament connecting the third and fourth carpal bones. 



3. = Dorsal ligaments connecting the third carpal and third metacarpal bones. 



volar surfaces of the carpal bones and their associated short ligaments, 

 and the bases of the metacarpal bones. On the extensor (dorsal) aspect 

 of the carpus the capsule is connected with the fascia of the forearm, 

 and helps to bind down those extensor tendons that cross the carpus. 

 In accordance with the range of movement in the radiocarpal and 

 intercarpal articulations, the capsule is roomy on this face of the 

 carpus. 



On the flexor (volar) aspect of the joint the capsule assists the 

 transverse carpal ligament in the formation of a short canal in which 

 the flexor tendons are contained, and is, consequently, covered by the 

 synovial (mucous) sheath of the tendons. It should be noted that the 

 great strength of this portion of the capsule is important as a check to 

 over-extension of the joint. Its connection with the tendinous head of 

 the deep flexor is also q(§;|Sfia©(Jibys/K?tegJ8®i'/i®oment. 



