Joints of the Pelvic Limb

Sacroiliac joint

A tightly apposed synovial joint between the wing of the ilium and the sacrum.

Coxofemoral joint

Also known as the hip joint, it connects the head of the femur to the acetabulum.

Stifle joint

Composed of the femorotibial joint and the femoropatellar joint.

Femorotibial joint

The main joint of the stifle connecting the femur and tibia.

Femoropatellar joint

The joint formed between the femur and the patella.

Tibiofibular joint

Joint between the tibia and fibula, can be proximal or distal.

Pedal joint

Also known as the tarsal joint, located between the tibia, fibula, tarsal bones, and metatarsal bones.

Pelvic symphysis

Cartilaginous joint where the left and right pelvic bones connect.

Articular surfaces

The surfaces of bones that come into contact at joints.

Acetabulum

The socket of the coxofemoral joint where the head of the femur fits.

Synovial joint

A type of joint that is surrounded by a fluid-filled capsule.

Auricular surfaces

The surfaces of the sacrum and ilium that form the sacroiliac joint.

Ligaments

Strong connective tissues that hold bones together at joints.

Ventral sacroiliac ligament

A ligament connecting the sacrum to the ilium at the front.

Interosseous sacroiliac ligament

Ligament located between the sacrum and ilium, providing stability.

Dorsal sacroiliac ligament

Stabilizing ligaments at the back of the sacroiliac joint.

Sacrotuberous ligament

Ligament extending from the sacrum to the ischial tuber.

Greater ischiatic foramen

An opening in the pelvis containing nerves and blood vessels.

Lesser ischiatic foramen

A smaller opening in the pelvis for passage of structures.

Tarsocrural joint

The joint between the tibia, fibula, and proximal tarsal bones.

Meniscus

Cartilage that cushions and stabilizes joints, particularly in the knee.

Cranial cruciate ligament

A ligament that helps stabilize the stifle joint.

Caudal cruciate ligament

Ligament that runs parallel and stabilizes the stifle joint.

Patella

The kneecap, a small bone in front of the stifle joint.

Tarsal joint

Another term for the pedal joint or hock joint.

Trochlear tubercle

Prominent structure on the femur where the patella sits.

Obturator foramen

Large openings in the pelvic bones for nerves and vessels.

Fibrous layer

The outer layer of the joint capsule, providing stability.

Synovial layer

Inner layer of the joint capsule that produces synovial fluid.

Cranial tibial ligament of medial meniscus

Ligament that links the tibia to the medial meniscus.

Patellar ligament

A ligament extending from the patella to the tibial tuberosity.

Medial collateral ligament

Ligament providing stability on the medial side of the stifle.

Lateral collateral ligament

Ligament supporting the lateral side of the stifle joint.

Proximal infrapatellar bursa

A fluid-filled sac located near the patella and tibia.

Distal infrapatellar bursa

Fluid-filled sac located distal to the patella.

Tarsometatarsal joints

Joints between the tarsal bones and metatarsal bones.

Extensor groove

Depression on the tibia for muscle attachment.

Sesamoid bones

Small bones found within tendons, such as the patella.

Talus

Bone in the ankle joint that articulates with the tibia and fibula.

Calcaneus

The heel bone, part of the tarsal group.

Obturator membrane

Fibrous tissue covering the obturator foramen.

Intercondylar eminence

Prominent area between the condyles of the tibia.

Lateral meniscus

Cartilage located on the outer side of the stifle joint.

Medial meniscus

Cartilage located on the inner side of the stifle joint.

Intermediate patellar ligament

Ligament that assists in patellar stabilization.

Long digital extensor tendon

Tendon that extends the digits of the animal's foot.