Which statement describes seasmoidean ligaments?

• A. They resist hyperextension of the pastern and fetlock joints
• B. They stabilize the coffin joint
• C. They connect the patella to the tibia
• D. They are located beneath the peroneus tertius

Answer: (A)

Sesamoidean ligaments are part of the horse’s suspensory apparatus and play a crucial role in controlling how far the fetlock and the pastern can extend during weight bearing and propulsion. They run from the proximal sesamoid bones to the cannon bone and proximal phalanx, and their tension helps limit hyperextension of these joints. That restraint is what provides stability and helps distribute forces through the limb as the horse moves.

This is why the statement describing them as resisting hyperextension of the pastern and fetlock joints best captures their function. They aren’t the primary stabilizers of the coffin joint, don’t connect the patella to the tibia, and aren’t simply located beneath the peroneus tertius; those are related to different structures or regions.