236 



THE ARTICULATIONS OF THE HORSE 



The lateral meniscus does not cover the lateral and posterior part of the tibial con- 

 dyle, over which the tendon of origin of the popliteus muscle plays. The peripheral 

 border is thick and convex, the central one very thin and concave. The fibrous 

 ends or ligaments are attached to the tibia in front of and behind the spine. The 

 lateral meniscus has a third attachment by means of an oblique band (Ligamentum 

 femorale menisci lateralis) which passes from the posterior end to the posterior 

 part of the intercondyloid fossa of the femur. 



Base of patella 



Medial ridge of 

 trochlea 



Lateral iiatellar ligoi- 

 iiient 



Middle patellar liga- 

 ment 



Stump of biceps 

 femoris 



Lateral femoro-patellar 

 ligament 



i Laieral condyle of 



femur 



Lateral femoro-tibial 

 ligament 



Lateral meniscus 



Lateral condyle of 

 tibia 



Tuberosity of tibia 



Fig. 248. — Left Stifle Joint of Horse; Lateral View. The Capsules are Removed. 

 1, Stump of tendon of origin of extensor longus and peroneus tertius; 2, stump of fascia lata; 3, patellar attachment of 



biceps femoris and lateral patellar ligament. 



The ligaments of the medial meniscus (Ligamenta tibialia anterius et posterius menisci medi- 

 aUs) are attached in front of and behind the medial eminence of the spine. The anterior Ligament 

 of the lateral meniscus (Ligamentum tibiale anterius menisci lateralis) is attached in front of the 

 lateral eminence of the spine. The posterior one bifurcates; the lower branch (Ligamentum tibiale 

 posterius menisci lateralis) is inserted at the popliteal notch, the upper (Ligamentum femorale 

 menisci lateralis) in a small fossa in the extreme posterior part of the intercondyloid fossa. 



The joint capsule is attached to the margin of the tibial articular surface, 

 but on the femur the line of attachment is for the greater part about half an inch 

 (ca. 1 cm.) from the articular margin. It is also attached to the convex borders of 

 the menisci and to the cruciate ligaments. It is thin in front, where it consists 



