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Skeletal System of the Horse

Skeletal System of the Horse. Equine Science. The Horse’s Skeletal System. Approximately 210 bones Gives shape to the horse Provides protection for the internal organs Combines with the muscular system to create movement Stores needed minerals Site of blood cell manufacturing

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Skeletal System of the Horse

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  1. Skeletal System of the Horse Equine Science

  2. The Horse’s Skeletal System • Approximately 210 bones • Gives shape to the horse • Provides protection for the internal organs • Combines with the muscular system to create movement • Stores needed minerals • Site of blood cell manufacturing • Stores fat (adults)

  3. The Horse’s Skeletal System • Bones classified as either: • Long: support body weight & aid movement • limbs • Short: aid in shock absorption • Knee & hock • Flat: enclose vital organs • Ribs • Scapula • Some skull bones • Irregular: unpaired bones • Vertebrae • Some skull bones

  4. The Horse’s Skeletal System • Two Parts • Axial Skeleton--The trunk • Skull • Vertebral Column • Ribs • Breastbone or Sternum • Pelvis • Tail • Appendicular Skeleton—The limbs • Forelegs or Thoracic limbs • Hind legs or Pelvic limbs

  5. Axial Skeleton • Vertebral Column • Average of 54 bones • Divided into 5 parts • Cervical (neck)—7 vertebrae • Thoracic (back)—18 vertebrae • Lumbar (loin)—6 vertebrae (sometimes 5) • Sacral (croup)—5 vertebrae (fused together) • Coccygeal (tail)—15-21 vertebrae • Bound together with ligaments and cartilage

  6. Axial Skeleton • Hip Bones • Connected to the vertebral column at the sacrum • Sternum • Canoe-shaped • Connects to the ribs by cartilage • Floor of chest cavity • Ribs • 18 pairs • Attached to the thoracic vertebrae

  7. Axial Skeleton • Skull • Attached to 1st vertebrae of the spine • Foramen magnum—large opening through which the spinal cord passes • Two Parts • Cranium—surrounds the brain • Face—encloses entrances to digestive and respiratory systems • Together form eye and nasal cavities

  8. Appendicular Skeleton • Forelimbs • No skeletal attachment to axial skeleton • Connection is by muscles • Support 60% of horse’s weight • Many bones similar to human arms • Hind legs • Attached to axial skeleton at the hip joints • Move horse forward • Similar to human legs

  9. Joints • Union of two or more bones or cartilages • Three types • Immovable • Permit no movement • Connective tissue or fused bone • Example: cranium bones • Slightly movable • Pad of cartilage allows slight movement • Example: vertebrae • Freely movable • Joint cavity exists between two surfaces • Bones held by ligaments • Slight degree of elasticity & limited blood supply • Heal slowly and often imperfectly • Example: legs

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