THE FOOT. 



63 



The superficial flexor muscle, of the front foot, has its origin 

 on the lower end of the humerus and its insertion by tendon on 

 the sides of the second phalanx. Its function is to flex the foot 

 at the first interphalangeal articulation. 



The deep flexor muscle, of the front foot, has its origin in 

 common with the superficial flexor on the lower end of the 

 humerus, and its insertion by a tendon which spreads out on 

 the sole of the third phalanx. Its duty is to flex the second and 

 to assist in flexing the first interphalangeal articulation. 



The suspensory ligament is broad and very strong. It at- 

 taches by its upper end to the carpal bones and to the large meta- 

 carpal. Its lower end divides into two branches which pass 

 forward on each side and attach to the front tendon. Its duty 

 is to support the metacarpophalangeal articulation (fetlock). 



GOOD FEET. 



The shape and peculiar charac- 

 teristics of each hoof correspond in 

 correlation with the remainder of 

 the limb, except as the hoof has 

 been varied by artificial means. So 

 in judging the hoof it is also nec- 

 essary to consider the characteris- 

 tics of the entire limb. 



The front limb may be said to 

 be normal in position and direction 

 when it appears on front view that 

 a vertical line from the front of the 

 scapulo-humeral articulation passes 

 down the center of the limb and to 

 the STOimd at the center of the toe. 



FIG. 30. THE HOOF MATRIX. 



1, Periople ring: 2, coronary 

 band; 3, sensitive laminae; 4, 

 heel. Velvety tissue not shown 

 on the sole. 



(In viewing such a limb from the side it should be evi- 

 dent that a vertical line downward from the bony prominence 

 at the middle of the scapula would divide the external surface 

 of the limb into two equal portions and reach the ground imme- 

 diately back of the heels. 



Viewing the hoof and pastern alone it should be seen that 

 the hoof is in direct line with the pastern and metacarpal or 

 metatarsal bones, and that a line extending from the center of 



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