Changes

==Thoracic Limb==

==Thoracic Limb==

===Shoulder Joint===

===Shoulder Joint===

The shoulder joint is the articulation between the glenoid cavity of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Scapula|scapula]] and the head of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humerus]] .  In the horse, lateral and medial movements of this joint are impossible due to the shape of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]]  head; movement is therefore limited to flexion and extension.  The joint is strengthened by  the medial and lateral '''glenohumeral ligaments'''. There is also an additional '''coracohumeral ligament''' between the supraglenoid tubercle and the greater tubercle of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humerus]] .

The shoulder joint is the articulation between the glenoid cavity of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Scapula|scapula]] and the head of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humerus]] .  In the horse, lateral and medial movements of this joint are impossible due to the shape of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]]  head; movement is therefore limited to flexion and extension.  The joint is strengthened by  the medial and lateral '''glenohumeral ligaments'''. There is also an additional '''coracohumeral ligament''' between the supraglenoid tubercle and the greater tubercle of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humerus]] .

In the horse, there is no sheath surrounding the bicipital tendon; instead there is an '''intertubercular bursa'''. This bursa lies between the humeral tubercles, cushioning the bicipital tendon, but does not communicate with the cavity of the shoulder joint.  The bursa and tendon are held in place by the '''transverse humeral retinaculum''', running between the greater and lesser tubercles of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humerus]].

In the horse, there is no sheath surrounding the bicipital tendon; instead there is an '''intertubercular bursa'''. This bursa lies between the humeral tubercles, cushioning the bicipital tendon, but does not communicate with the cavity of the shoulder joint.  The bursa and tendon are held in place by the '''transverse humeral retinaculum''', running between the greater and lesser tubercles of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humerus]].

===Elbow Joint===

===Elbow Joint===

The articulation between the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]]  condyle, trochlear notch of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|ulna]]  and the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radial head]] .  The joint capsule attaches to the articular surface of the condyle, the periphery of the olecranon fossa and the articular cartilage of the trochlear notch of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|ulna]]. Ligaments of the elbow include:

The articulation between the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]]  condyle, trochlear notch of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|ulna]]  and the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radial head]] .  The joint capsule attaches to the articular surface of the condyle, the periphery of the olecranon fossa and the articular cartilage of the trochlear notch of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|ulna]]. Ligaments of the elbow include:

*'''Lateral (radial) collateral ligament''': Attaches to the lateral [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle, the caudal (ulnar) branch is absent in the horse.

*'''Lateral (radial) collateral ligament''': Attaches to the lateral [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle, the caudal (ulnar) branch is absent in the horse.

*'''Medial (ulnar) collateral ligament''': Attaches to the medial [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle and inserts on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|ulna]] and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radius]]. The cranial part of the ligament is the remnant of the ''pronator teres'' muscle in horses.

*'''Medial (ulnar) collateral ligament''': Attaches to the medial [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle and inserts on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|ulna]] and [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radius]]. The cranial part of the ligament is the remnant of the ''pronator teres'' muscle in horses.

===Carpal Joint===

===Carpal Joint===

The carpal joint is a compound joint composed of:

The carpal joint is a compound joint composed of:

:The '''antebrachiocarpal joint''' between the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radius/ulna]] and the proximal [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal bones]]

:The '''antebrachiocarpal joint''' between the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radius/ulna]] and the proximal [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal bones]]

:The '''middle carpal joint''' between the two rows of [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal bones]]

:The '''middle carpal joint''' between the two rows of [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal bones]]

:The '''carpometacarpal joint''' between the distal [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal bones]] and the proximal [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metacarpals]]

:The '''carpometacarpal joint''' between the distal [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal bones]] and the proximal [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metacarpals]]

The joint is a synovial joint, comprising a common outer fibrous capsule and three inner synovial pouches, one for each joint. The fibrous joint capsule is strengthened by the '''extensor retinaculum''' on the dorsal aspect and the '''flexor retinaculum''' on the palmar aspect.  The '''carpal canal''' houses both the [[Tendons - Horse Anatomy#Flexors|superficial and deep digital flexor tendon]] within a common synovial sheath.

The joint is a synovial joint, comprising a common outer fibrous capsule and three inner synovial pouches, one for each joint. The fibrous joint capsule is strengthened by the '''extensor retinaculum''' on the dorsal aspect and the '''flexor retinaculum''' on the palmar aspect.  The '''carpal canal''' houses both the [[Tendons - Horse Anatomy#Flexors|superficial and deep digital flexor tendon]] within a common synovial sheath.

Ligaments supporting the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Joint|carpus ]] include:

Ligaments supporting the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Joint|carpus ]] include:

*'''Long lateral collateral ligament''': Attaches to the lateral styloid process of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radius]], then divides into a superficial branch and two deep branches. The superficial branch attaches on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|fourth metacarpal]](lateral splint) and the two deep branches insert on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|ulnar carpal]] and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|4th carpal]] bones.

*'''Long lateral collateral ligament''': Attaches to the lateral styloid process of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radius]], then divides into a superficial branch and two deep branches. The superficial branch attaches on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|fourth metacarpal]](lateral splint) and the two deep branches insert on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|ulnar carpal]] and [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|4th carpal]] bones.

*'''Long medial collateral ligament''': Attaches to the medial styloid process of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radius]] then runs to insert on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|second metacarpal]] (medial splint) bone. A deep branch then detaches to insert on [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|2nd carpal]] bone.

*'''Long medial collateral ligament''': Attaches to the medial styloid process of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radius]] then runs to insert on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|second metacarpal]] (medial splint) bone. A deep branch then detaches to insert on [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|2nd carpal]] bone.

*'''Short ligaments''': Join neighbouring [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal]] bones either within the same row, or in the adjacent row.

*'''Short ligaments''': Join neighbouring [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal]] bones either within the same row, or in the adjacent row.

===Metacarpophalangeal (Fetlock) Joint===

===Metacarpophalangeal (Fetlock) Joint===

The fetlock joint is the articulation between the trochlea of [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]] (cannon bone), the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]] and the proximal sesamoid bones; it allows flexion and extension movements. The joint capsule is divided into a dorsal and palmar pouch.  The dorsal pouch extends between [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]] (cannon bone) and the [[Tendons - Horse Anatomy#Extensors|common digital extensor tendon]].  The palmar pouch lies between [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]] (cannon bone) and the suspensory ligament.  It has an extensive bursa under the [[Tendons - Horse Anatomy#Extensors|common digital extensor tendon]], continuing a quarter of the length up the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]].  This joint is associated with a pair of proximal sesamoid bones on the palmar surface. Between the sesamoids, in a groove, lies articular cartilage which articulates with the sagittal ridge of [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]]. The joint capsule runs between all bones in the joint and  attaches to the articular cartilage of the sesamoids.

The fetlock joint is the articulation between the trochlea of [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]] (cannon bone), the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]] and the proximal sesamoid bones; it allows flexion and extension movements. The joint capsule is divided into a dorsal and palmar pouch.  The dorsal pouch extends between [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]] (cannon bone) and the [[Tendons - Horse Anatomy#Extensors|common digital extensor tendon]].  The palmar pouch lies between [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]] (cannon bone) and the suspensory ligament.  It has an extensive bursa under the [[Tendons - Horse Anatomy#Extensors|common digital extensor tendon]], continuing a quarter of the length up the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]].  This joint is associated with a pair of proximal sesamoid bones on the palmar surface. Between the sesamoids, in a groove, lies articular cartilage which articulates with the sagittal ridge of [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]]. The joint capsule runs between all bones in the joint and  attaches to the articular cartilage of the sesamoids.

Ligamentous support:

Ligamentous support:

*'''Collateral ligaments''' bind the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|metacarpal bone]] to the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]], with a deep branch attaching to the sesamoid bone.  

*'''Collateral ligaments''' bind the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy|metacarpal bone]] to the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]], with a deep branch attaching to the sesamoid bone.  

*'''Palmar/intersesamoidean ligament''' is a mass of fibrocartilage that embeds the sesamoid bones. The palmar aspect of it forms a groove for the deep flexor tendon to run in, allowing frictionless movement.

*'''Palmar/intersesamoidean ligament''' is a mass of fibrocartilage that embeds the sesamoid bones. The palmar aspect of it forms a groove for the deep flexor tendon to run in, allowing frictionless movement.

*'''Collateral sesamoid ligaments''' connect the outer aspect of the sesamoids to the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]] and there is a distinct branch that attaches to the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]].  

*'''Collateral sesamoid ligaments''' connect the outer aspect of the sesamoids to the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]] and there is a distinct branch that attaches to the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]].  

*'''Distal sesamoid ligaments''' are a collection of ligaments that are very marked in the horse and connect the distal surface of the sesamoids to the palmar aspect of the[[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy|phalanx]]. These ligaments include the '''short ligaments''', '''cruciate ligaments''', '''oblique ligament''', '''straight ligament''' and the '''palmar annular ligament'''.  

*'''Distal sesamoid ligaments''' are a collection of ligaments that are very marked in the horse and connect the distal surface of the sesamoids to the palmar aspect of the[[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy|phalanx]]. These ligaments include the '''short ligaments''', '''cruciate ligaments''', '''oblique ligament''', '''straight ligament''' and the '''palmar annular ligament'''.  

** The '''short ligaments''' connect the axial base of the sesamoids to the lateral/medial aspect on the palmar margin of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]].  These are the deepest of the ligaments.  

** The '''short ligaments''' connect the axial base of the sesamoids to the lateral/medial aspect on the palmar margin of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]].  These are the deepest of the ligaments.  

====[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Coxafemoral|Coxafemoral/Hip Joint]]====

====[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Coxafemoral|Coxafemoral/Hip Joint]]====

The horse has a limited range of hip movement compared to the dog. This is mainly restricted to flexion and extension and is a result of the conformation of its [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femoral head]], intra-articular ligaments and a large muscle mass around the joint. The '''ligament of the femoral head''' extends from the acetabulum to the fovea on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femoral head]]. Unlike other species, the horse also has an extra ligament present in the joint; the '''accessory ligament'''. The accessory ligament arises from the tendon of insertion of  the ''rectus abdominis'' muscle and to a lesser extent ''external abdominal oblique'' muscle as part of the ''prepubic tendon'' and inserts on the fovea. Both ligaments pass through '''acetabular notch'''.

The horse has a limited range of hip movement compared to the dog. This is mainly restricted to flexion and extension and is a result of the conformation of its [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femoral head]], intra-articular ligaments and a large muscle mass around the joint. The '''ligament of the femoral head''' extends from the acetabulum to the fovea on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femoral head]]. Unlike other species, the horse also has an extra ligament present in the joint; the '''accessory ligament'''. The accessory ligament arises from the tendon of insertion of  the ''rectus abdominis'' muscle and to a lesser extent ''external abdominal oblique'' muscle as part of the ''prepubic tendon'' and inserts on the fovea. Both ligaments pass through '''acetabular notch'''.

===[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Stifle Joint|Stifle Joint]]===

===[[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Stifle Joint|Stifle Joint]]===

====Femorotibial Joint====

====Femorotibial Joint====

The femorotibial joint is formed by the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]] and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]].  It is divided by '''menisci''' into proximal and distal segments. These communicate through open centres of the menisci where the condyles of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]] and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] are in contact.  The synovial membrane of the joint capsule, which is complete only in the horse, further divides the joint into medial and lateral compartments.  The menisci are fibrocartilaginous structures that act as shock absorbers, reducing concussion on the joint as well as incongruency of the articular surfaces. Menisci are attached at the outer margins to the fibrous joint capsule and anchored at their ends mainly on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] by the '''cranial and caudal ligaments''', but the lateral meniscus has an additional ligament attaching it to the distal [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]]. The '''cruciate ligaments''' in the centre of the joint are important for [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Stifle Joint|stifle]] stability.

The femorotibial joint is formed by the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]] and [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]].  It is divided by '''menisci''' into proximal and distal segments. These communicate through open centres of the menisci where the condyles of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]] and [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] are in contact.  The synovial membrane of the joint capsule, which is complete only in the horse, further divides the joint into medial and lateral compartments.  The menisci are fibrocartilaginous structures that act as shock absorbers, reducing concussion on the joint as well as incongruency of the articular surfaces. Menisci are attached at the outer margins to the fibrous joint capsule and anchored at their ends mainly on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] by the '''cranial and caudal ligaments''', but the lateral meniscus has an additional ligament attaching it to the distal [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]]. The '''cruciate ligaments''' in the centre of the joint are important for [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Stifle Joint|stifle]] stability.

====Femoropatellar Joint====

====Femoropatellar Joint====

The femoropatellar joint is formed by the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]] and [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]].  The [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]] is anchored to the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]]  by the  medial and lateral '''femoropatellar ligaments''' and to the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]]  by three patellar ligaments:

The femoropatellar joint is formed by the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]] and [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]].  The [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]] is anchored to the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]]  by the  medial and lateral '''femoropatellar ligaments''' and to the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]]  by three patellar ligaments:

*'''Middle Patellar Ligament'''

*'''Middle Patellar Ligament'''

The middle patellar ligament connects the the cranial aspect of the [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]] apex to the tibial tuberosity. It has two associated bursae; one between the ligament and the groove on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibial tuberosity]] and one between the proximal part of the ligament and the [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]] apex. It is palpable just proximal to the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibial plateaux]].

The middle patellar ligament connects the the cranial aspect of the [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]] apex to the tibial tuberosity. It has two associated bursae; one between the ligament and the groove on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibial tuberosity]] and one between the proximal part of the ligament and the [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]] apex. It is palpable just proximal to the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibial plateaux]].

*'''Lateral Patellar Ligament'''

*'''Lateral Patellar Ligament'''

The lateral patellar ligament attaches to the cranio-lateral aspect of the [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]] and to the lateral aspect of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibial tuberosity]]. This arrangement is crucial for the equine [[Stay Apparatus - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|stay apparatus]] and provides a '''locking ability'''. This ligament contains tendinous tissue from the [[Muscles - Horse Anatomy#Rump Muscles of the Pelvic Limb|''biceps femoris'']]  and [[Muscles - Horse Anatomy#Rump Muscles of the Pelvic Limb|''tensor fasciae latae'']] muscles.

The lateral patellar ligament attaches to the cranio-lateral aspect of the [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]] and to the lateral aspect of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibial tuberosity]]. This arrangement is crucial for the equine [[Stay Apparatus - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|stay apparatus]] and provides a '''locking ability'''. This ligament contains tendinous tissue from the [[Muscles - Horse Anatomy#Rump Muscles of the Pelvic Limb|''biceps femoris'']]  and [[Muscles - Horse Anatomy#Rump Muscles of the Pelvic Limb|''tensor fasciae latae'']] muscles.

*'''Medial Patellar Ligament'''

*'''Medial Patellar Ligament'''

The medial patellar ligament connects the parapatellar fibrocartilage to the medial aspect of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibial tuberosity]] . This ligament  contains tendinous elements of the [[Muscles - Horse Anatomy#Rump Muscles of the Pelvic Limb|''sartorius'']] and [[Muscles - Horse Anatomy#Rump Muscles of the Pelvic Limb|''gracilis'']] muscles.

The medial patellar ligament connects the parapatellar fibrocartilage to the medial aspect of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibial tuberosity]] . This ligament  contains tendinous elements of the [[Muscles - Horse Anatomy#Rump Muscles of the Pelvic Limb|''sartorius'']] and [[Muscles - Horse Anatomy#Rump Muscles of the Pelvic Limb|''gracilis'']] muscles.

Contraction of the quadriceps while in rest enables the [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]]  to be hooked over the trochlea of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]] due to the binding loop formed by the patella, middle and medial patellar ligaments.  The '''femeropatellar joint''' capsule sometimes communicates with the '''lateral femerotibial''' cavity and usually with the '''medial'''. No communication exists between the femorotibial joints.

Contraction of the quadriceps while in rest enables the [[Hindlimb - Anatomy & Physiology#Patella|patella]]  to be hooked over the trochlea of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]] due to the binding loop formed by the patella, middle and medial patellar ligaments.  The '''femeropatellar joint''' capsule sometimes communicates with the '''lateral femerotibial''' cavity and usually with the '''medial'''. No communication exists between the femorotibial joints.

===Tibiofibular Joint===

===Tibiofibular Joint===

In the horse, this joint only exists proximally because the distal end of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|fibula]] is fused to the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] to form the lateral malleolus.

In the horse, this joint only exists proximally because the distal end of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|fibula]] is fused to the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] to form the lateral malleolus.

===Tarsal Joint (Hock)===

===Tarsal Joint (Hock)===

====Tarsocrural Joint====

====Tarsocrural Joint====

In the horse, this joint is formed between the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]] only, since the distal end of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|fibula]] is incorporated in the lateral malleolus of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]]. There is communication with the proximal intertarsal joint.

In the horse, this joint is formed between the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] and [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]] only, since the distal end of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|fibula]] is incorporated in the lateral malleolus of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]]. There is communication with the proximal intertarsal joint.

====Proximal Intertarsal Joint====

====Proximal Intertarsal Joint====

Proximally, there is articulation between the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]] and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]].  Distally there is articulation between the central and fourth [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]].

Proximally, there is articulation between the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]] and [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]].  Distally there is articulation between the central and fourth [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]].

====Distal Intertarsal Joint====

====Distal Intertarsal Joint====

Articulation between the central [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bone]] and the numbered [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]].

Articulation between the central [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bone]] and the numbered [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]].

====Tarsometatarsal Joint====

====Tarsometatarsal Joint====

Articulation between the small, numbered [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]] and the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metatarsals]].

Articulation between the small, numbered [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]] and the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metatarsals]].

====Ligaments of the Tarsus====

====Ligaments of the Tarsus====

*'''Collateral ligaments''':

*'''Collateral ligaments''':

**''Long lateral collateral'': Arises from the lateral maleolus of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] and terminates on the proximal end of  [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metatarsal IV]] (lateral splint). Between these points it attaches to the lateral [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]].

**''Long lateral collateral'': Arises from the lateral maleolus of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] and terminates on the proximal end of  [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metatarsal IV]] (lateral splint). Between these points it attaches to the lateral [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]].

**''Short lateral collateral'': Deep to the long lateral collateral. It arises from the lateral maleolus of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] and attaches via two branches, one to the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]] and one to the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]].

**''Short lateral collateral'': Deep to the long lateral collateral. It arises from the lateral maleolus of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]] and attaches via two branches, one to the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]] and one to the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]].

**''Long medial collateral'': Arises from the medial malleolus and terminates on the proximal end of [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metatarsal II]] (medial splint). Between these points it attaches to the medial [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]].

**''Long medial collateral'': Arises from the medial malleolus and terminates on the proximal end of [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metatarsal II]] (medial splint). Between these points it attaches to the medial [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]].

**''Short lateral collateral'': Deep to the long medial collateral. It arises from the medial malleolus and attaches via two branches, one on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]] and one on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]].  

**''Short lateral collateral'': Deep to the long medial collateral. It arises from the medial malleolus and attaches via two branches, one on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]] and one on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]].  

*'''Long plantar ligament''': Extends on the plantar aspect of the hock from the calcaneal tuberosity distally to the proximal end of the third and fourth [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metatarsal bones]] and also attaches to the central and fourth [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]].

*'''Long plantar ligament''': Extends on the plantar aspect of the hock from the calcaneal tuberosity distally to the proximal end of the third and fourth [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metatarsal bones]] and also attaches to the central and fourth [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]].