The third and fourth metacarpals are flattened from before backward,
three-sided, and placed close together. The distal end of each bears a
trochlea for articulation with the first phalanx and the sesamoids.
The third is the wider of the two, and articulates with all of the
lower row of the carpus except the first. The fourth articulates with
the fourth carpal chiefly, but has a small facet for the third. The
second and fifth metacarpals are placed further back than the chief
bones. The fifth is considerably the thicker of the two. The proximal
ends are small and articulate with the corresponding carpal and
metacarpal bones. The distal end is relatively large; its articular
surface is condyloid in front, trochlear behind.
Each chief digit comprises three =phalanges= and three =sesamoids=. The
bones of the chief digits resemble those of the ox in form, but there is
no foramen on the interdigital side of the extensor process and the
proximal sesamoids are narrow and ridged behind. The phalanges of the
accessory digits (which do not reach the ground ordinarily) are similar
in form but much smaller.
BONES OF THE PELVIC LIMB
The =os coxæ= is long and narrow. The ilium and ischium are almost in
line with each other and sagittal in direction. The wing of the =ilium=
bends outward much less than in the horse or ox. The gluteal surface is
divided into two fossæ by a ridge, which is continuous with the superior
ischiatic spine behind. The inner surface presents an extensive rough
area behind, which is in apposition with the wing of the sacrum. The
smooth iliac area is narrow, and is bounded above by a ridge. The crest
or anterior border is convex, and is thick, rough, and prominent in its
middle, which forms the highest point of the bone. The internal angle is
lower than the crest, is directed backward, and articulates internally
with the sacrum. The external angle is lower still and is very little
thickened. The =ischia= in the female are somewhat divergent and
flattened behind. The tubera are everted and bear three prominences.
There is a crest or tuberosity on the ventral surface. The superior
ischiatic spine is like that of the cow, but is slightly incurved and
the muscular ridges on its outer face are more pronounced. The
symphyseal part of the =pubis= is thick and the two bones are almost in
a horizontal plane. The ilio-pectineal eminence is prominent and the
psoas tubercle is well marked.
The =acetabulum= is placed a little further back than in the ox. The rim
is thick and is cut into posteriorly by a narrow fissure, which leads
into the deep fossa acetabuli. The three pieces of the os coxæ are fused
by the end of the first year, but the crest and the ischial tubera are
partially separate till the sixth or seventh year. The symphysis does
not usually undergo complete anchylosis. Interischial bones are present.
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