Which statement best describes the role of the long and short plantar ligaments?

• A. They connect the femur to the tibia.
• B. They support the hock and proximal tarsal joints, distributing weight and helping align the limb.
• C. They extend the stifle.
• D. They anchor the navicular bone to the coffin bone.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that these ligaments provide plantar-side stabilization for the hind limb, forming part of the Stay Apparatus. They run from the calcaneus to the proximal tarsal bones and the bases of the metatarsals, creating a supportive band that holds the hock in proper alignment under weight. This distributes the animal’s weight across the limb and allows the limb to bear load with less muscle effort. They aren’t responsible for connecting the femur to the tibia—that’s a function of the ligaments around the stifle—nor do they extend the stifle, and they don’t anchor the navicular bone to the coffin bone.