Sesamoid Bones of the Hand. Ossa sesamoidea.—The hand contains, in addition to those already described, eleven small bones that are developed in tendons.

One of these, the radial sesamoid ([Fig. 51], h), is closely applied to the radial end of the scapholunar bone. It is developed in the tendon of the extensor brevis pollicis muscle.

The other ten occur in pairs as small flattened curved bones on the ventral side of the joint between each metacarpal and the phalanx with which it articulates.

JOINTS AND LIGAMENTS OF THE THORACIC LIMBS.

The shoulder-joint is an arthrodial or ball-and-socket joint. The bones entering into its formation are the scapula and the humerus.

The capsular ligament or articular capsule is very ample and allows for extended movement of the humerus. It is attached to the edge of the glenoid fossa of the scapula and passing distad covers the head of the humerus and is inserted at the line of junction of the shaft and the epiphysis which forms the head of the bone. On the lateral side of the ventral surface of the humerus the attachment continues distad about two centimeters along the lateral edge of the bicipital groove. On the medial side the insertion passes over the proximal end of the lesser tuberosity. A strong transverse band passes from the greater tuberosity to the lesser tuberosity and bridges the bicipital groove, converting it into a canal. The lateral and medial parts of the capsule are strengthened by thicker bands of fibres, the more prominent medial one of which passes from the coracoid process of the scapula to the lesser tuberosity. To the capsule are closely united parts of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, coracobrachialis, and subscapularis muscles. A synovial membrane lines the capsule within and forms a sheath around the biceps tendon, so that the latter does not actually enter the synovial capsule.

The elbow-joint ([Figs. 52] and [53]) is a ginglymus or hinge-joint. The bones which enter into it are the humerus, radius, and ulna.

The capsule of the joint forms a sac, with the following attachments to the bones: (1) To the humerus it is attached at the proximal edge of the coronoid and radial fossæ; to the sides of the capitulum and trochlea distad of the two epicondyles, and to the distal edge of the olecranon fossa. (2) To the ulna it is attached at the edges of the radial and semilunar notches; (3) to the radius around the articular facet, two or three centimeters distad of the border. Many of the muscles of this region are closely attached to the capsule.

[Fig. 52].—Ligaments of Elbow-joint, Medial Side.