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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Tendons are composed of bundles of collagen, predominantly type I, surrounding parallel rows of fibroblasts known as '''tenocytes'''. Tenocytes synthesize the collagen fibres that they surround. Many collagen fibres make up a '''fascicle'''. Within the fascicle, collagen fibres are parallel with a ‘crimp’ waveform. This arrangement allows lateral cohesion between fibres, preventing slippage between fibres or fibrils. The ‘crimp’ straightens when the tendon is loaded and then recoils when the load is removed; this allows the elastic function of tendons.

Tendons are composed of bundles of collagen, predominantly type I, surrounding parallel rows of fibroblasts known as '''tenocytes'''. Tenocytes synthesize the collagen fibres that they surround. Many collagen fibres make up a '''fascicle'''. Within the fascicle, collagen fibres are parallel with a ‘crimp’ waveform. This arrangement allows lateral cohesion between fibres, preventing slippage between fibres or fibrils. The ‘crimp’ straightens when the tendon is loaded and then recoils when the load is removed; this allows the elastic function of tendons.

There are no muscles in the equine digit, instead there are the tendons of insertion of the two extensor muscles and the two flexor muscles of the digit.

There are no muscles in the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy|equine digit]], instead there are the tendons of insertion of the two extensor muscles and the two flexor muscles of the digit.

==Thoracic Limb==

==Thoracic Limb==

===Extensors===

===Extensors===

'''''Common Digital Extensor Tendon'''''  

'''''Common Digital Extensor Tendon'''''  

*'''Origin''': Common digital extensor muscle on the lateral [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle

*'''Origin''': Common digital extensor muscle on the lateral [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle

*'''Insertion''': Extensor process of [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|distal phalanx]]

*'''Insertion''': Extensor process of [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|distal phalanx]]

*'''Action''':  Extends [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|carpus]] and digit

*'''Action''':  Extends [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|carpus]] and digit

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'''''Lateral Digital Extensor Tendon'''''

'''''Lateral Digital Extensor Tendon'''''

*'''Origin''':  Lateral digital extensor muscle on the lateral [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]]  epicondyle

*'''Origin''':  Lateral digital extensor muscle on the lateral [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]]  epicondyle

*'''Insertion''': Dorsolateral aspect of [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]]

*'''Insertion''': Dorsolateral aspect of [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]]

*'''Action''': Extends the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|carpus]] and [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] joint

*'''Action''': Extends the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|carpus]] and [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] joint

The lateral digital extensor muscle arises from the lateral [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle and forms the lateral digital extensor tendon on the lateral aspect of the antebrachium; caudal to the common digital extensor tendon. The tendon is enclosed within a synovial sheath as it extends distally over the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpus]] to insert on the dorsolateral aspect of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]].

The lateral digital extensor muscle arises from the lateral [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle and forms the lateral digital extensor tendon on the lateral aspect of the antebrachium; caudal to the common digital extensor tendon. The tendon is enclosed within a synovial sheath as it extends distally over the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpus]] to insert on the dorsolateral aspect of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]].

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'''''Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT)'''''

'''''Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT)'''''

*'''Origin''': Superficial digital flexor muscle on the medial [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondlye

*'''Origin''': Superficial digital flexor muscle on the medial [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondlye

*'''Insertion''': [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Middle Phalanx|Middle phalanx]]

*'''Insertion''': [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Middle Phalanx|Middle phalanx]]

*'''Action''': Flexes the proximal and middle phalangeal joints, stabilises [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] joint

*'''Action''': Flexes the proximal and middle phalangeal joints, stabilises [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] joint

The SDFT arises from the superficial digital flexor muscle at the level of the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|carpus]]. At this level, the tendon combines with the accessory ligament ('''superior check ligament'''). The tendon passes distally on the caudal aspect of the limb, running through the '''carpal canal''' to the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metacarpus]]. The SDFT and DDFT run within a synovial structure termed the '''carpal sheath'''.  

The SDFT arises from the superficial digital flexor muscle at the level of the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|carpus]]. At this level, the tendon combines with the accessory ligament ('''superior check ligament'''). The tendon passes distally on the caudal aspect of the limb, running through the '''carpal canal''' to the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metacarpus]]. The SDFT and DDFT run within a synovial structure termed the '''carpal sheath'''.  

Just proximal to the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] joint, the SDFT forms a ring-like structure which wraps around the DDFT. This structure is known as the '''manica flexoria'''.  

Just proximal to the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] joint, the SDFT forms a ring-like structure which wraps around the DDFT. This structure is known as the '''manica flexoria'''.  

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'''''Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT)'''''

'''''Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT)'''''

*'''Origin''': Deep digital flexor muscle on the medial [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle, [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radius and ulna]]

*'''Origin''': Deep digital flexor muscle on the medial [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle, [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Radius and Ulna|radius and ulna]]

*'''Insertion''': [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|Distal phalanx]].  

*'''Insertion''': [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|Distal phalanx]].  

*'''Action''': Flexes the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|distal phalanx]].  

*'''Action''': Flexes the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|distal phalanx]].  

The deep digital flexor tendon arises as three bellies from its origin on the medial [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle, fusing to form a common tendon just proximal to the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|carpus]] on the caudal aspect of the limb.  The single tendon passes distally, enclosed in the '''carpal sheath''', through the '''carpal canal'''. In the mid-metacarpal region, the tendon is enforced by an accessory ligament ('''inferior check ligament'''). At the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] (fetlock) joint, the DDFT passes though the '''manica flexoria''' and over the sesamoid groove. In the mid –region of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]], the DDFT runs between the branches of the SDFT and over the flexor cortex of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Sesamoid (Navicular) Bone|distal sesamoid]] ('''navicular''') bone to insert on the flexor cortex of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|distal phalanx]].  

The deep digital flexor tendon arises as three bellies from its origin on the medial [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Humerus|humeral]] epicondyle, fusing to form a common tendon just proximal to the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|carpus]] on the caudal aspect of the limb.  The single tendon passes distally, enclosed in the '''carpal sheath''', through the '''carpal canal'''. In the mid-metacarpal region, the tendon is enforced by an accessory ligament ('''inferior check ligament'''). At the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] (fetlock) joint, the DDFT passes though the '''manica flexoria''' and over the sesamoid groove. In the mid –region of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Proximal Phalanx|proximal phalanx]], the DDFT runs between the branches of the SDFT and over the flexor cortex of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Sesamoid (Navicular) Bone|distal sesamoid]] ('''navicular''') bone to insert on the flexor cortex of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|distal phalanx]].  

The '''navicular bursa''' is the space formed between the DDFT and the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Sesamoid (Navicular) Bone|distal sesamoid]] ('''navicular''') bone, which is filled with synovial fluid. It extends beyond the borders of the distal sesamoid bone proximally, distally and laterally.  

The '''navicular bursa''' is the space formed between the DDFT and the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Sesamoid (Navicular) Bone|distal sesamoid]] ('''navicular''') bone, which is filled with synovial fluid. It extends beyond the borders of the distal sesamoid bone proximally, distally and laterally.  

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'''''Suspensory Ligament (SL)'''''

'''''Suspensory Ligament (SL)'''''

*'''Origin''': Proximal region of [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]](cannon bone) and distal row of [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal bones]]

*'''Origin''': Proximal region of [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]](cannon bone) and distal row of [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal bones]]

*'''Insertion''': Proximal sesamoids, joins common digital extensor tendon

*'''Insertion''': Proximal sesamoids, joins common digital extensor tendon

*'''Action''': Prevents fetlock hyperextension and limits palmar flexion

*'''Action''': Prevents fetlock hyperextension and limits palmar flexion

The suspensory ligament (middle interosseous muscle) is an entirely tendinous structure. The SL originates on the proximal aspect of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]] (cannon) and distal [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal bones]].  It lies within the groove between the second and fourth [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metacarpals]] (splint bones), deep to the SDFT and DDFT. Running distally, it bifurcates into two extensor branches which insert on the proximal sesamoid bones. Each branch extends laterally and medially, either side of the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] (feltlock) joint, to join the common digital extensor tendon. The major function of the SL is as part of the '''suspensory apparatus'''. It provides support to the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] (fetlock) joint by preventing hyperextension and also limits palmar flexion.

The suspensory ligament (middle interosseous muscle) is an entirely tendinous structure. The SL originates on the proximal aspect of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metacarpal]] (cannon) and distal [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Carpal Bones|carpal bones]].  It lies within the groove between the second and fourth [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metacarpals]] (splint bones), deep to the SDFT and DDFT. Running distally, it bifurcates into two extensor branches which insert on the proximal sesamoid bones. Each branch extends laterally and medially, either side of the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] (feltlock) joint, to join the common digital extensor tendon. The major function of the SL is as part of the '''suspensory apparatus'''. It provides support to the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Thoracic Limb|metacarpophalangeal]] (fetlock) joint by preventing hyperextension and also limits palmar flexion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

===Extensors===

===Extensors===

'''''Long Digital Extensor Tendon'''''  

'''''Long Digital Extensor Tendon'''''  

'''''Cunean Tendon'''''  

'''''Cunean Tendon'''''  

*'''Origin''': Cranial tibial muscle in the distal [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]]/proximal [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]] region   

*'''Origin''': Cranial tibial muscle in the distal [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tibia and Fibula|tibia]]/proximal [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]] region   

*'''Insertion''': Medially on the fused first and second [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]]  

*'''Insertion''': Medially on the fused first and second [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|tarsal bones]]  

*'''Action''': Aids [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|tarsal]] flexion  

*'''Action''': Aids [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|tarsal]] flexion  

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'''''Peroneus Tertius'''''

'''''Peroneus Tertius'''''

*'''Origin''': Extensor fossa of [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]]

*'''Origin''': Extensor fossa of [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Femur|femur]]

*'''Insertion''':  Dorsal insertion on the proximal region of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metatarsal]] (cannon) and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|third tarsal]] bones. Lateral insertion on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]] and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|fourth tarsal]] bone

*'''Insertion''':  Dorsal insertion on the proximal region of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metatarsal]] (cannon) and [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|third tarsal]] bones. Lateral insertion on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]] and [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|fourth tarsal]] bone

*'''Action''': Passively flexes the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|tarsus]]  when the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|stifle]]  is flexed

*'''Action''': Passively flexes the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|tarsus]]  when the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|stifle]]  is flexed

The peroneus tertius is an entirely tendinous structure in the horse, forming an important component of the [[Stay Apparatus - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|'''reciprocal apparatus''']] . It acts to passively flex the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|tarsus]]  when the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|stifle]]  is flexed. The tendon forms a loop, through which the tendon of the tibialis cranialis passes. It then bifurcates at the level of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]] into dorsal and lateral branches. The dorsal branch passes deep to the cunean tendon to insert on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metatarsal]] (cannon) and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|third tarsal]] bones.  The lateral branch extends distally, deep to the long digital extensor tendon and runs laterally distal to the lateral ridge of the trochlea of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]]. This lateral branch then bifurcates to insert on the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]] and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|fourth tarsal]] bone.  

The peroneus tertius is an entirely tendinous structure in the horse, forming an important component of the [[Stay Apparatus - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|'''reciprocal apparatus''']] . It acts to passively flex the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|tarsus]]  when the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|stifle]]  is flexed. The tendon forms a loop, through which the tendon of the tibialis cranialis passes. It then bifurcates at the level of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]] into dorsal and lateral branches. The dorsal branch passes deep to the cunean tendon to insert on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metatarsal]] (cannon) and [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|third tarsal]] bones.  The lateral branch extends distally, deep to the long digital extensor tendon and runs laterally distal to the lateral ridge of the trochlea of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|talus]]. This lateral branch then bifurcates to insert on the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]] and [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|fourth tarsal]] bone.  

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*'''Action''': Extends the digit, assists in extending the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|hock]]  and flexing the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|stifle]]  as part of the [[Stay Apparatus - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|reciprocal apparatus]]

*'''Action''': Extends the digit, assists in extending the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|hock]]  and flexing the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|stifle]]  as part of the [[Stay Apparatus - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|reciprocal apparatus]]

The superficial digital flexor tendon is a major component of the common calcaneal tendon, which forms part of the [[Stay Apparatus - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|reciprocal apparatus]]. The SDFT arises from the superficial digital flexor muscle in the proximal/mid-tibial region and passes around the gastrocnemius tendon caudally. At the point of the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|hock]], the SDFT widens to form a cap over the calcanean tuberosity. The '''calcanean bursa''' is a synovial fluid-filled space formed between the calcanean tuberosity and the SDFT. Distal to the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]], the SDFT continues as arranged in the thoracic limb to its point of insertion on the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Middle Phalanx|middle phalanx]].  

The superficial digital flexor tendon is a major component of the common calcaneal tendon, which forms part of the [[Stay Apparatus - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|reciprocal apparatus]]. The SDFT arises from the superficial digital flexor muscle in the proximal/mid-tibial region and passes around the gastrocnemius tendon caudally. At the point of the [[Joints and Ligaments - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|hock]], the SDFT widens to form a cap over the calcanean tuberosity. The '''calcanean bursa''' is a synovial fluid-filled space formed between the calcanean tuberosity and the SDFT. Distal to the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|calcaneus]], the SDFT continues as arranged in the thoracic limb to its point of insertion on the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Middle Phalanx|middle phalanx]].  

In contrast to the thoracic limb, there is no accessory ligament of the SDFT in the pelvic limb.  

In contrast to the thoracic limb, there is no accessory ligament of the SDFT in the pelvic limb.  

*'''Action''': Flexes the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|distal phalanx]]   

*'''Action''': Flexes the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|distal phalanx]]   

The DDFT runs on the plantar aspect of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metatarsus]]  distally, over the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Sesamoid (Navicular) Bone|distal sesamoid]]  ('''navicular bone'''). Its passage over the navicular bone is facilitated by the synovial fluid-filled '''navicular bursa''' before inserting on the flexor cortex of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|distal phalanx]].  

The DDFT runs on the plantar aspect of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|metatarsus]]  distally, over the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Sesamoid (Navicular) Bone|distal sesamoid]]  ('''navicular bone'''). Its passage over the navicular bone is facilitated by the synovial fluid-filled '''navicular bursa''' before inserting on the flexor cortex of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|distal phalanx]].  

The accessory ('''check''') ligament connects the DDFT to the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metatarsal]] (cannon) bone. This forms part of the [[Stay Apparatus - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|'''stay apparatus''']] by removing tension from the main body of the DDFT.  

The accessory ('''check''') ligament connects the DDFT to the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metatarsal]] (cannon) bone. This forms part of the [[Stay Apparatus - Horse Anatomy#Pelvic Limb|'''stay apparatus''']] by removing tension from the main body of the DDFT.  

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*'''Action''': Prevents fetlock hyperextension and limits plantar flexion

*'''Action''': Prevents fetlock hyperextension and limits plantar flexion

Originating from the proximal aspect of the [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metatarsal]] (cannon) and [[Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|distal tarsal bones ]], the SL of the pelvic limb is relatively thinner and longer than that of the thoracic limb.  It lies within the metatarsal groove deep to the DDFT. Continuing distally it bifurcates into two '''extensor branches''', as in the thoracic limb, which insert on the '''proximal sesamoid bones'''. Identical to in the thoracic limb, medial and lateral branches then join the long digital extensor tendon.

Originating from the proximal aspect of the [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Metacarpals and Metatarsals|third metatarsal]] (cannon) and [[Limb Bones and Cartilages - Horse Anatomy#Tarsal Bones|distal tarsal bones ]], the SL of the pelvic limb is relatively thinner and longer than that of the thoracic limb.  It lies within the metatarsal groove deep to the DDFT. Continuing distally it bifurcates into two '''extensor branches''', as in the thoracic limb, which insert on the '''proximal sesamoid bones'''. Identical to in the thoracic limb, medial and lateral branches then join the long digital extensor tendon.

 

 

 

 

 

==References==

==References==

*Pasquini, C, Spurgeon, T.L., An Anatomy of Domestic Animals: A Systemic and Regional Approach, 10th Edition (2003), Bowker

*Pasquini, C, Spurgeon, T.L., An Anatomy of Domestic Animals: A Systemic and Regional Approach, 10th Edition (2003), Bowker

[[Category:Horse Anatomy]]

 

 

[[Category:Musculoskeletal System - Horse Anatomy]]