74 



HITCHCOCK'S ANATOMY 



synovia, the superabundance 

 of which (when it is present) 

 is removed by the absorb- 

 ent vessels. This lubricating 

 fluid, however, is not poured 

 out directly upon the ends 

 of the bones, but upon smooth 

 and elastic cartilage, which 

 is found in every joint, not 

 only for furnishing a smooth 

 articular surface, but also to 

 diminish the force of jars by 

 its elastic character. 



Fibres of a Capsular Ligament. 8, Tendo Achillis. A small Bursa is seen 

 between this Tendon and the Tuberosity of the Os Calcis. 



FUNCTIONS OR USES OF THE BONES. 



164. The uses of the bones may be classed under three 

 divisions : 



First, for a framework to the whole system. 

 Second, to furnish points of attachment to muscles and 

 ligaments. 



Third, to protect the softer parts. 



165. A Framework. Ligaments used as Braces and Pins. 

 — Exactly as a human architect plans and constructs a frame 

 to the house, so the Great Architect has formed the bones. 

 Each bone is fitted exactly to the position, size, and use of 

 the part where it is placed, and nowhere can a supernumerary 

 bone be found. In the house to be built, braces and joining 

 pins must be employed, and those generally of a tougher 

 material than the frame itself. So in the human body, liga- 



Why is cartilage useful in the lubrication of joints ? 164. Give the uses of the bones 

 as classed above. 165. Compara the bones and ligaments with the timbers, braces and 

 pins of a house. 



Fig. 94. 



An Internal View of the Ankle- Joint of 

 the Eight Side. 1, Internal Malleolus. 

 2, 2, Part of the Astragalus, the rest being 

 concealed by Ligaments. 3, Os Calcis. 4, 

 Scaphoides. 5, Internal Cuneiform Bone. 



6, Internal Lateral, or Deltoid Ligament. 



7. The Synovial Capsule, covered by a few 



