THE ANATOMY 01- THE 
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brane, which is then reflected over the cartilages. This ligament 
is protected in front by the extensor tendons. 
2dly. The two lateral ligaments are strong, and arise from 
the inferior and lateral parts of the cannon bone ; they are 
inserted into the superior and external parts of the suffraginal 
bones. These ligaments effectually prevent any lateral motion. 
3dly. A wide ligament arises between the lower heads of the 
cannon bone, and joins the ligamentous substance between the 
pasterns. 
The ligaments of the sessamoids are five pairs, and a single 
one, viz. : The suspensory , the two lateral , the two long inferior , 
two external inferior , two internal inferior, and the two crucial 
ligaments. The suspensory corresponds in width to the back 
part of the large metacarpal bone. Posteriorly, it is concave, 
in order to fit the convexity of the flexor tendons. About two- 
thirds down the bone two portions are given off, which being- 
expanded at the fetlock joins the perforatus tendon ; and, indeed, 
forms the anterior part of the sheath of the perforans, having 
become rather cartilaginous in substance. Two portions pro- 
ceed from the suspensory ligament, just below the last, taking 
a more external course. Just above the fetlock, each portion 
becomes divisible, and terminates in a similar manner by bifur- 
cating. One division of the bifurcation is inserted into the 
external sessamoid ; the other is continued obliquely to the 
extensor tendon. Just above the fetlock the ligament sends off 
two other portions, which are inserted into the superior parts of 
the inner sessamoids. Two more slips are also given off, the 
smaller of which is inserted into the ligamentous substance 
connecting the internal sesamoids. The larger portion is con- 
nected to the lower part of the cannon bone by a ligamentous 
slip, which encircles it: it is then continued between the 
lower heads of the large metacarpal, enters a sheath formed 
by a ligament, and is inserted between the large pasterns. By 
this description will be seen the intimate union between all 
parts of the shank, by means of the suspensory ligament, and 
the admirable provision made against dislocation. Though 
this great security is procured at the expense of agility, it 
