FORK I GOT OF THE OX. 107 
accounts, in some degree, for the ox being so strong and so 
sure-footed. 
The lateral ligaments are fixed to the posterior projecting parts 
of the external sessamoids, and to the supero-lateral parts of the 
large pasterns. The long inferior ligaments arise from the lower 
part of the external sessamoid, are continued down the back of 
the large and small pasterns, and are inserted into the cartilago- 
ligamentous heels. Just after its commencement a portion passes 
off to an eminence at the supero-posterior part of the os suffra- 
ginis. About halfway down, another slip arises, and proceeds to 
the ridge, which divides the posterior from the lateral part of 
the bone. The external short inferior ligaments are very strong, 
and are fixed to the lower part of the external sessamoid, and 
to an eminence on the upper and posterior part of the large 
pastern. 
The internal short inferior ligaments arise from the internal 
sessamoids, and are inserted into the supero-internal part of each 
os suffraginis. The crucial are a pair which decussate : one 
proceeds from the right external sessamoid to the supero-internal 
part of the left large pastern — the other proceeds from the left 
external sessamoid to the right large pastern. These last three 
pair of ligaments serve as hinges to the sessamoid bones. 
The pastern joint is formed by the articulation of the os suffra- 
ginis with the os coronse. The bones being double, there are of 
course two pastern joints; and the external and internal parts of 
the bones not corresponding in shape, the outer ligaments do not 
resemble those on the inside, and consequently must be described 
as single ligaments. There are six besides the capsular, and the 
one common to both joints. 
1st. The capsular arises from the edges of the bones. 
2d. The long anterior ligament , rather slight in size, arises 
from the antero-inferior partfof the os suffraginis, takes a direction 
obliquely outwards over the os coronse, and is inserted at the 
infero-external part of the bone. 
3d. The external lateral ligament is wide and stout, and 
arises from the depression at the infero-external part of the os 
suffraginis ; passes downwards and backwards to thesupero-exter- 
