Some anatomical and morphometrical characteristics of the equine elbow oblique ligament were described in ten adult mongrel animals that did not present locomotor diseases. The oblique ligament arises dorsal to the radial fossa of the humerus, it crosses obliquely the elbow cranial surface and it becames separated in a long portion that attaches to the radial tuberosity and a short portion that joins to the long portion of medial collateral ligament. Measurements of the lenght and width were taken between origin and insertion of the oblique ligament, without differences (P>0.05) being observed when sexes and limbs were compared. The oblique ligament acts in the spring effect and in the stability maintenance of the equine elbow joint. By the particularity of its location cranial to the joint, the oblique ligament has a restrain action, hinding complete extension of the equine elbow.
arthrology; elbow; equine; morphology
