_b_, Tendon of extensor digiti tertii; _c_, tendon of common extensor;
_d_, tendon of extensor digiti quarti; _h_, interosseus medius or
suspensory ligament; _i_, tendons of digital flexors; _i′_, branch
of _h_; _12_, metacarpal bone. (After Ellenberger-Baum, Anat. für
Künstler.)
]
It is to be noted that the fascia on the posterior face of the
metacarpus and digit is very thick. It is continuous above with the
ligamentum carpi transversum, and is attached on either side to the
metacarpal bone. At the fetlock it forms the fibrous basis for the small
claws, and below this it detaches two strong bands which diverge to be
inserted into the second and third phalanges, blending with the lateral
ligaments.