THE SESAMOIDEAN LIGAMENTS 225 
ulnare et radiale), arise on the abaxial surface of each sesamoid bone, pass forward, 
and divide into two branches, one of which ends in the depression on the distal end 
of the large metacarpal bone, the other on the eminence on the proximal end of the 
first phalanx. They are partly covered by the branches of the suspensory or 
superior sesamoidean ligament. 
The suspensory ligament or interosseous tendon (Tendo interosseus)' lies in 
great part in the metacarpal groove, where it has the form of a wide, thick 
band. It is attached above to the proximal part of the posterior surface of the large 
Superficial flexor tendon 
Deep flexor tendon 
Extensor tendon Suspensory ligament 
Lateral interosseous tendon 
Proximal end of digital sheath 
Ring of superficial flexor tendon 
a Intersesamoidean ligament 
Proximal end of capsule of fetlock 
joint 
Bursa Posterior annular ligament (cut) 
Collateral ligament of fetlock joint 
Collateral sesamoidean ligament 
Superficial distal sesamoidean 
ligament 
Middle distal sesamoidean ligament 
Fascia 
Branch of suspensory ligament 
} Attachments of proximal digital 
annular ligament 
Lateral volar ligament of pastern 
joint 
Pouch of digital sheath 
Distal digital annular ligament 
Cartilage of third phalanx 
Suspensory ligament of navicular 
bone 
Band from cartilage to extensor 
tendon 
Collateral ligament of coffin joint 
Fic. 240.—LicaMents anp Tenpons or Distant Parr oF Live or Horse. 
Mc.III, Large metacarpal bone; Ph.I, first phalanx; Ph.II, second phalanx; Ph.III, third phalanx; 1, deep flexor 
tendon; 2, band from first phalanx to digital cushion. (After Schmaltz, Atlas d. Anat. d. Pferdes.) 
metacarpal bone and to the distal row of carpal bones. At the distal fourth of the 
metacarpus it divides into two diverging branches. Each branch passes to the 
abaxial face of the corresponding sesamoid, on which a considerable part is attached. 
The remainder passes obliquely downward and forward to the dorsal surface of the 
first phalanx, where it joins the extensor tendon; there is a bursa between this ex- 
tensor branch and the proximal end of the first phalanx. This ligament possesses 
‘ This is also known as the superior sesamoidean ligament; it is described here in deference 
to custom and on account of its ligamentous function. 
15 
