The femeropatella ligaments are two thin bands which reinforce the capsular ligament. They arise from the lateral aspects of the femur, just above the condyles and are inserted to the corresponding surfaces of the patella.
The patellar ligaments are three strong bands which arise from the antero-inferior surface of the patella, and are inserted to the anterior aspect of the tuberosity of the tibia.
Taken as a whole, the tarsal bones, interarticulating and articulating with the tibia and metatarsal bones form the hock joint and this articulation is analagous to the carpus. As with the carpus, there is less movement in the inferior portion of the joint than in the superior part of the articulation. The chief articulating parts are the tibia with the tibial tarsal bone (astragulus).
Fig. 42—Muscles of lower part of thigh, leg and foot; lateral view, o', Fascia lata; q, q', q", biceps femoris; r, semitendinosus; 21', lateral condyle of tibia. The extensor brevis is visible in the angle between the long and lateral extensor tendons. (After Ellenberger-Baum, Anat. für Künstler.) (From Sisson's "Anatomy of the Domestic Animals.")
The capsular ligament is attached around the margin of the articular surfaces of the tibia, to the tarsal bones, the collateral ligaments (internal and external lateral) and to the metatarsus.
Fig. 43—Right stifle joint; lateral view. The femoro-patellar capsule was filled with plaster-of-Paris and then removed after the cast was set. The femoro-tibial capsule and most of the lateral patellar ligament are removed. M. Lateral meniscus. (From Sisson's "Anatomy of the Domestic Animals.")