140 likes | 565 Views
The Equine Muscular System. Equine Science. Muscles. Function: Provide movement Active organs of motion Contract or change shape when stimulated One or more nerves bring commands AND send signals Red flesh Make up about 50% of total body weight. Types of Muscles. Smooth (Involuntary)
E N D
The Equine Muscular System Equine Science
Muscles • Function: • Provide movement • Active organs of motion • Contract or change shape when stimulated • One or more nerves bring commands AND send signals • Red flesh • Make up about 50% of total body weight
Types of Muscles • Smooth (Involuntary) • Cardiac (Involuntary Striated) • Skeletal (Striated)
Smooth Muscle • Also called visceral muscle • Location: • Digestive system • Uterus • Capable of prolonged periods of activity • Peristalsis: wavelike contractions of digestive system muscles • Contraction is involuntary
Cardiac Muscle • Location: ONLY found in the heart • Requires NO nerve stimulus • Requires NO conscious control • Rate of contraction controlled by the nervous system
Skeletal Muscle • Move the body voluntarily • Usually attached to the bony levers of the skeleton • Utilizes tendons to transmit the pull of the muscle • Permits several muscles to attach at one point • Generally arranged in pairs • Become fatigued and require rest
Skeletal Muscle • Extensor: extends a joint and brings bones into alignment • Flexor: bends the joint • Some muscles can act as both • Opposed muscles act successively
Tendons • Strong, cordlike structure that transmits the pull of the muscle as it contracts • Tendon Sheath: synovial sac through which a tendon passes • Tendon Bursa: synovial sac between the tendon and the surface over which it passes in a change of direction • Both secrete synovia for lubrication • Both usually found near joints
Five Major Functional Muscle Groups • Forearms: allow for smooth gait and absorb shock • Quadriceps: (hindquarters) used for propulsion • Pectorals: carrying space for lungs • Back: support riders or packs • Stomach: hold organs in place