Functional Anatomy of the Equine Axial Skeleton

Section 1 Introduction to Functional Anatomy

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:

• Readily identify and name body regions

• Describe body planes and directional terms

• Discuss differences between conformation and posture

• List unique structural features of different vertebral regions

• Describe the number and types of vertebral articulations

• Explain the structural and functional characteristics of spinal ligaments

• Discuss the different types of paired muscle function

• Describe anatomical features of the central and peripheral nervous system

• Identify soft tissue and osseous structures on transverse anatomic images

Section 2 Functional Anatomy of the Head

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:

• Readily identify palpable boney landmarks of the head

• Localize the superficial muscles of the head and describe their relative functions in horses

• Describe the basic innervation patterns of nerves that provide sensory and motor functions to the superficial structures of the head

• Discuss the function of the hyoid apparatus and the role of the associated hyoid articulations

• Describe the unique articular features of the temporomandibular joint in horses

• Evaluate the occlusal surfaces of the dental arcade in horses

• Discuss the effects of dentition on the temporomandibular joint

Section 3 Functional Anatomy: Cervical Region

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:

• Readily identify palpable boney landmarks within the cervical region of horses

• Describe the unique articular and ligamentous features of the cranial cervical region

• List the muscles present within the mid-cervical region and describe their general muscle attachments

• Discuss the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the cervical region

• Describe the typical innervation pattern of the cervical spinal nerves

Section 4 Functional Anatomy: Thoracolumbar Region

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:

• Describe the functional regions within the trunk

• Readily identify palpable boney landmarks within the thoracolumbar region of horses

• List the individual articulations present on a thoracic versus a caudal lumbar vertebra

• Describe the fascial layers overlying the dorsal thoracolumbar region

• Discuss the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the thoracolumbar region

• Describe the typical innervation pattern of the thoracolumbar spinal nerves

Section 5 Functional Anatomy: Sacropelvic Region

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:

• Readily identify palpable boney landmarks within the sacropelvic region of horses

• Describe the unique articular and ligamentous features of the sacroiliac joint

• Explain the different types of joint motion associated with the articulations found within the sacropelvic region

• List the muscles within the sacropelvic region and describe their general attachment sites

• Discuss the differences between muscles that contribute to lumbosacral flexion-extension and muscles that contribute to pelvic limb protraction-retraction

• Describe the innervation of the sacropelvic musculature and the muscles of the proximal hind limb

Section 6 Functional Anatomy: Thoracic Limb

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:

• Readily identify regions and specific topographical landmarks within the thoracic limb

• Describe the articular features of the thoracic limb

• Identify muscles responsible for thoracic limb protraction and retraction

• Discuss the structural and functional features of the scapulothoracic junction

• List the palpable bony landmarks of the scapula and shoulder

• Describe the ligamentous attachments and muscles acting on the shoulder joint

• Explain the role of uniarticular versus multiarticular muscles of the elbow

• Explain the function of the passive stay apparatus

• List the muscles responsible for carpal flexion and extension

• Identify the bones that contribute to the carpal region

• Describe the regional innervation of the thoracic limb

Section 7 Functional Anatomy: Pelvic Limb

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:

• Readily identify regions and specific topographical landmarks within the pelvic limb

• Describe the articular features of the pelvic limb

• Identify muscles responsible for pelvic limb protraction and retraction

• Discuss the structural features of the sacroiliac joint

• Describe the ligamentous attachments and muscles acting on the sacroiliac joint

• List the palpable bony landmarks of the coxofemoral joint

• Explain the role of uniarticular versus multiarticular muscles of the hip

• Describe the ligamentous support of the stifle joint

• Explain the function of the patellar locking mechanism and reciprocal apparatus

• List the muscles responsible for stifle flexion and extension

• Identify the bones that contribute to the tarsal region

• Describe the regional innervation of the pelvic limb

Section 8 Functional Anatomy: Distal Limb

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to:

• Describe the articular features of the fetlock joint

• Identify flexor and extensor tendons of the distal fore and hind limbs

• Discuss the structural and functional features of the suspensory apparatus

• Describe the distal attachments of the digital flexor and extensor muscles

• Explain similarities and differences of the distal fore and hind limbs

• Describe the innervation of the distal thoracic and pelvic limbs