INTERPHALANGEAL JOINTS 



249 



inargin of the articular surface. The abaxial pair have a similar course, but are 

 thinner, and end on the corresponding third sesamoid. An elastic band crosses the 

 front of the second phalanx obliquely, from the distal end of the first phalanx to the 

 extensor process of the third phalanx . 



The cruciate or distal interdigital ligaments (Ligg. cruciata interdigitalia) are 

 two strong bands which limit the separation of the digits. They are attached above 

 to the abaxial eminences on the proximal ends of the second phalanges (blending 

 with the collateral ligaments), cross the tleep flexor tendon obliquely, and reach the 



lll-JSf 



H- 



Fig. 258. — Ligaments axd Texdoxs of Digits of Pig; 

 VoLAB View. 

 a, Superficial flexor tendon; 6, deep flexor tendon; h' , 

 branches of h to accessory digits; c, c' , annular ligaments; 

 d-d'", ligaments of accessory digits; f, cruciate interdigital 

 ligaments; /, f , spiral band around the flexor tendons of 

 the accessory digits; ff, abductor of accessory digit. (Ellen- 

 berger-Baum, Anat. d. Haustiere.) 



Fig. 259. — Ligaments ax-^p Tendons of Digits of 

 Dog, Hind Limb; \'olae View. 

 a, a' , Superficial flexor tendon; &, tendon to 

 large pad; c, lumbricales muscles; d, interossei 

 muscles; (, /, annular ligaments at metatarso- 

 phalangeal joints; Qy suspensory ligament of large 

 pad; h, digital annular ligaments; i, deep flexor 

 tendon; h, distal sesamoid; /, suspensory ligament 

 of h; m, suspensory ligament of digital pad; n, 

 digital pads. (EUenberger-Baum, Anat. d. Haus- 

 tiere.) 



interdigital space, where they intercross and blend. Most of the fibers end on the 

 distal sesamoid of the opposite side, but some are attached to the interdigital as- 

 pect of the second phalanx and the distal sesamoid of the same side. In the sheep 

 there is, instead of the foregoing, a transverse ligament which is attached on either 

 side to the interdigital surfaces of the second and third phalanges and the distal sesa- 

 moid bone. It is related below to the skin, above to a pad of fat. 



Pig. — The interphalangeal joints of the chief digits resemble in general those 

 of the ox. The distal interdigital ligament resembles, however, that of the sheep, 

 and is intimately adherent to the skin. There is, besides, a remarkable arrange- 



