VAN 111: Veterinary Gross Anatomy - I (1+2)

COFFIN JOINT

Ox

The distal interphalangeal articulations are two for each limb. Each is a ginglymus formed between the second and third phalanges and the distal sesamoid.

• Ligaments
  • Capsular ligament
  • Anterior elastic ligament which is attached above to the distal ends of the first phalanx crosses the dorsal face of the second phalanx and is inserted to the extensor process of the third phalanx.
  • The abaxial and axial collateral ligaments.
    • The abaxial collateral ligament is closely adherent to the proper digital extensor tendon.
    • The axial collateral ligament extends from the distal extremity of first phalanx receives fibres from the second phalanx and is attached to the interdigital surface of the third phalanx.
  • Volar collateral or Collateral sesamoidean ligaments. The volar abaxial ligament arises from the distal extremity of the first phalanx receives fibres from the second phalanx and are attached to the volar axial ligament extends from the lower end of the phalanx to the interdigital face of the third phalanx.
  • The superior navicular ligament is formed by fibres from the two volar collateral and is attached to the upper border of the navicular bone.
  • The inferior navicular ligament or phalango-sesamoidean ligament extends from the distal border of the navicular to the flexor surface of the os pedis.

Horse

• There is only one joint for each limb.
• The dorsal elastic ligament is absent.
• In addition, it has three ligaments attaching the lateral cartilages to the phalanges.
• Lateral cartilages of the third phalanx are rhomboid plates of hyaline cartilage.
• The anterior end of each is attached to the distal extremity of the second phalanx by a short strong band.
• The lower border is thick and is attached by another band to the angle of third phalanx.
• The posterior end curves axially towards its fellow.

Dog

• Each joint has a capsular and two lateral ligaments.
• An elastic ligament attached above to the distal end of the second phalanx and below to the collar at the base of third phalanx aids in retracting the claw.