Equine Anatomy (Skeletal System in-depth)

Horses have how many bones in their body?

205

What are the 4 types of bones horses have?

Long, short, flat, and irregular

What horse breed has one less vertebrae in their spine?

Arabian

Periosteum

Membrane that covers the bone to add protection

What is the purpose of Long Bones?

They function as levers for locomotion by supporting weight, and can be used as a source of protection.

Where are the most short bones?

In the knee and hock

What is the purpose of short bones?

Aid in the dissipation of concussion (shock of impact)

What bones are considered as flat bones?

Ribs and scapula

What is the purpose of flat bones?

Enclose areas to protect vital organs

What are irregular bones?

Unpaired bones

What are some irregular bones?

Vertebrae and some of the skull

A joint connect the front leg with the shoulder

False

What connects the front leg with the shoulder?

A sling of muscles

What is the purpose of joints?

They provide cushioning and movement

What are the three types of joints?

Immovable, slightly movable, and freely movable

Joints can be damaged

True

What joint is least likely to be damaged by injury or disease?

Immovable joints

Immovable joints are virtually _____ or “____”

immobile, fixed

Where do immovable joints occur?

The skull and shafts of long bones

Slightly movable joints have what kind of occurrence of disease?

Low

Slightly movable joints have what to adhere to both bones?

A pad or cartilage

ex: The connective joints of the Vertebrae

How does Kissing Spine disease occur in horses?

Occurs when the bony projections on the Vertebrae of the spine touch or overlap.

What joint is more susceptible to disease or damage?

Freely Movable joints

What makes a freely movable joints?

Made of two articular cartilage covered bone ends

What are some examples of freely movable joints?

Fetlock, knee, and hock

How is stability maintained in Synovial joints?

A fibrous joint capsule, which is attached to both bone ends as well as the collateral ligaments

What 2 key ingredients is Synovial fluid made out of?

Hyaluronic acid and lubricin

What do Soft tissue ligaments do?

Attaches bone to bone, has limited blood supply, and heals slowly

Soft tissue tendons do what?

Attaches bone to muscle

Both tendons and ligaments are made out of what?

Fibrous tissue

Why does it soft tissue take a long time to heal?

There is limited blood flow

How long can it take to rehabilitate a damaged soft tissue?

A year

Why is it good to know structural anatomy?

Make it easier to talk with the industry professionals