Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards
How many bones are in the sternum?
1
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 90
How many thoracic vertebrae does the horse have?
18
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 91
How many lumbar vertebrae does the horse have?
6
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 91
How many sacral vertebrae does the horse have?
5
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 91
Which bone in the horse’s body is the heaviest and strongest?
Femur
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 687
What is the general term for the last 10 pairs of ribs that are not connected to the sternum?
False ribs or floating ribs
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 104
How many pairs of ribs are true?
8
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 97 / Horses and Horsemanship, Ensminger, p. 26
How many pairs of ribs are false?
10
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 97 / Horses and Horsemanship, Ensminger, p. 27
How many bones are in the horse’s hoof?
3
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 696
Is the horses eyeball larger or smaller than an elephant and whale?
Larger
Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 60
Approximately how many degrees can the horse rotate each ear?
180 degrees
Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 62
How much of the horses total body weight is made up of water?
65-75%
Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 62
What is the term for an eye that is small and set back into the head?
Pig-eye
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 124
What is the spasmodic muscle contraction that produces heat to help maintain body temperature?
Shivering
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 104
Which organ in the horse stores vitamin A?
Liver
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 730-2 / Horses and Horsemanship, Ensminger, p. 252
Name two areas of hair on the horse that do not shed.
Eyelashes, Tail, Mane, Tactile hairs of the muzzle
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 129
What color are a horse’s hooves usually at birth?
White
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 82
What is the normal color of a horse’s eye?
Brown
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 82
How often does a horse shed?
Twice a year
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 129
Where is the hoof wall the thickest?
At the toe
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 695
Name the four classifications of bones in the horse.
Long, short, flat, irregular
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 90
Bones are held together by what?
Ligaments
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 90
Muscles are attached to bones by what?
Tendons
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 90
Do the front legs or hind legs have the most joints?
Hind legs
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 98
What is the hair called that falls on the face between the ears?
The forelock
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 142
Name the four components of the horse’s topline.
Withers, Back, Loin, Croup
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-6
What does the panniculus muscle do in the horse?
It moves the skin and shakes flies off the horse.
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 203
Name the two bones which make up the forearm.
Radius and Ulna
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 97
What is another name for the scapula?
Shoulder blade
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 97
The heart is composed of how many chambers?
4
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 111
What is the area of the nose called that encompasses the nostrils, lips and chin?
Muzzle
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 184
What part of the horse is located between the back and the croup?
Loin
Source: Horses and Horsemanship, Ensminger, p. 32 / Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 26
What in the eye covers the lens, admits light and is transparent?
Cornea
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 69
How many bones are in the horse’s vertebral column?
54
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 90 / Horses and Horsemanship, Ensminger, p. 26
Where on the horse would there be no sweat glands?
Legs
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 129
What is another name for the horse’s ankle joint?
Fetlock
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 106, 216
The heart, blood, veins and arteries make up what body system?
Circulatory System
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 57
Name 4 of the 7 joints of the hind limb.
Sacroiliac, hip, stifle, hock, fetlock, pastern, coffin
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 98
Name the system responsible for collecting and removing the fluid waste from the body.
Urinary System
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 280
Give an example of a flat bone in the skeleton of the horse.
Skull, ribs
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 90
What is another term for the sense of smell?
Olfactory Sense
Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 61
Which type of bones provides large areas for the attachment of muscles?
Flat bones
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 90
Name the bones that are encased in the horse’s hoof.
Coffin, Navicular, Short Pastern Bone
Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 201 / AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 505-5
Where would you find ring bone?
Pastern
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 157
Movement of air into and out of the lungs is referred to as what?
Respiration
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 108
How does the stomach of the horse compare with other farm animals?
It is the smallest
Source: Horse Science (National 4-H Council), p. 28
Where are the chestnuts located on an ass/donkey?
On the front legs only, they do not have them on the hind legs
(Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 21)
Describe the movement of the jaw when a horse is chewing.
Jaw movement is vertical (up & down) and lateral (side to side)
(Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 93)
What term is used to refer to a male horse that has been castrated after having reached maturity?
A stag
Source: Horses and Horsemanship, Ensminger, p. 529
If an animal has had its ears cut or frozen off, what is it known as?
Crop-eared
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 73
The top of a horse’s head just back of the ears is called what?
Poll
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
What is the main purpose of the red blood cells?
To transport oxygen in the blood
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 830-1
What is the easiest way to determine if the cardiovascular system is working?
Heart rate
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 830-1
On what part of the mouth does the bit rest?
Bars
Source: Horses and Horsemanship (National 4-H Council), p. 29
Who has better hearing - you or your horse?
Horse
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 121
What part of the foot is between the wall & frog?
Sole
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 505-1
What part of the horse is important in keeping the saddle in place?
Withers
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-6
How many bones does the horse have?
205
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 90 / Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 246
On average, how many coccygeal vertebrae does the horse have?
18
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 96
What are the names of the first two vertebrae?
Atlas and Axis
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 91
Name the vertebral section found in the tail.
Coccygeal vertebrae
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 96
What is the name for the soft, spongy wedge-shaped structure on the bottom of the horse’s foot?
Frog
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 695
What is the nasal cavity?
The passageway for the respiratory system
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 187
True or False: 75 to 80% of foal body weight is water.
True
Source: Horse Science (National 4-H Council), p. 32
What is another name for the knee bones?
Carpals (carpus bones)
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 97, 684
A horse uses what two parts of its body to aid in stability and balance?
The head and neck
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 141
The tactile sense controls what?
The sense of touch
Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 64
What is the largest bone in the horse’s head?
Mandible
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 91
What is the proper name for the fluid that lubricates the horse’s eye?
Lacrimal fluid
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 125
Name three areas that are sensitive to the touch on the horse.
Flank, ears, withers, muzzle, lower legs, rib area, girth area, head, mouth
(Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 65)
What is the ideal slope of the shoulder?
45-50 degrees
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-6
Name the three classifications of the muscles in the horse.
Smooth, Cardiac, Skeletal
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 99 / AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 840-1
Why should the ribs be long and well sprung on a horse?
It indicates ample space for the horse’s heart and lungs
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 151
What can happen if the pastern is too straight?
It does not cushion the shock of the foot striking the ground and can lead to serious damage as well as a rough ride
(Source: Horses and Horsemanship (National 4-H Council), p. 11)
Another name for the hamstring is what?
Achilles Tendon
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 100
Name the two major components that blood consists of.
Plasma and Cells
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 117
What number of heart sounds is frequently audible in horses?
4
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 136
Name 3 long bones
Shoulder, Forearm, Croup, Gaskin
Source: Horse Science (National 4-H Council), p. 9
The thoracic cavity contains the vital organs of what three systems?
Respiratory, Circulatory, Digestive
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 97
The horny growth on the back of the fetlock is called what?
Ergot
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 99
What joint is located between the gaskin & cannon?
Hock
Source: Horses and Horsemanship (National 4-H Council), p. 8
The v-shaped pad in the middle of the sole is……?
Frog
Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 201
True or False: The horse does not have a gall bladder?
True
Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 111
What is the largest gland in the body?
Liver
What is the name of the short, funnel shaped tube between the mouth and esophagus?
Pharynx
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 705-1
What flap of tissue prevents food from passing into the larynx?
Epiglottis
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 105
This artery carries blood away from the left ventricle of the heart.
Dorsal Aorta
What is the function of the panniculous muscle and where is it located?
A muscle under the skin that enables horses to flick off flies
(Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 203)
What is the largest tissue mass in the horse’s body?
Muscles
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 840-1 / The Horse, Evans, p. 99
What serves as the passageway to the respiratory system?
Nasal Cavity
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 187
Name 2 types of body hair.
Dense undercoat and guard hairs
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 129
What is the junction of the horse’s tibia and patella in the hind leg called?
Stifle
Source: Horses and Horsemanship, Ensminger, p. 28, 530
Where is the elbow?
The joint formed at the upper back of the foreleg
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 89
Where is the forearm?
Part of the horse’s foreleg between the elbow joint and the knee
(Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 142)
The stifle joint is anatomically equivalent to the human….?
Knee
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 256 / Horses and Horsemanship, Ensminger, p. 28, 67, 530
What is the hock?
The joint between the cannon and the gaskin in the hind leg
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 142
What is the largest joint in the horse’s body?
Stifle
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 691
This tube connects the throat to the lungs at the point where they branch to form the bronchi, what is it?
Trachea
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 105
Urine is the filtrate of which organ?
Kidney
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 119
What is another name for the coffin bone?
Pedal bone
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 207 / The Horse, Evans, p. 98
What is the term that refers to the amount of blood pumped from the heart during each beat?
Cardiac output
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 48
What is the common opening between the nasal passage and the mouth?
Pharynx
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 105
What is another name for the distal sesamoid bone?
Navicular Bone
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 98
Why is it important for a horse to have large nostrils?
It allows for maximum air intake since horses cannot breathe through the mouth
(Source: Horses and Horsemanship (National 4-H Council), p. 9)
Which joint is associated with the kneecap or patella?
Stifle
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 98
What is the carpus?
The knee
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 48
Give the functions of the flat bones in the skeleton of a horse.
Encloses cavities containing the vital organs, provides areas for the attachment of muscle
(Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 90)
How many pairs of ribs does the horse have?
18
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 97
What term refers to the area of the hind leg between the stifle and hock joint?
Gaskin
Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, 26
Explain the difference in the shape of the hind foot from that of the fore foot.
The toe of the hind foot is more pointed and the sole is more concave
(Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 692)
What percentage of a horse’s weight is carried on the front legs?
60-65%
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 145
Name the first bone of the hind leg.
Pelvic Girdle or Os Coxae
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 687
The words foot and hoof do not mean the same thing. Foot refers to what?
Hoof wall and all the structures it contains
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 692
How many muscles control the movement of the horse’s eyeball?
Seven
The increased height of the 3rd, 4th, & 5th thoracic vertebrae form what part of the horse?
Withers
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 97
Name and explain the function of the four classifications of bones.
Long - levers and aid in support of weight; Short - absorb concussion; Flat - enclose vital organs and provide areas for muscles to attach; Irregular - protect the central nervous system
(Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 90)
Together the first and second phalanxes form what part of the horse?
Pastern
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 98
What is the fluid part of the blood called?
Plasma
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 214
What is the main bone of the gaskin?
Tibia
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 98
What is the purpose of the long feeler hairs around the muzzle?
Help the horse make contact with its surroundings, especially in the dark
(Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 129)
What are the thick-walled, muscular vessels that carry blood away from the heart?
Arteries
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 15
Where are the chestnuts on the front legs?
Above the knees on the inside of the forearm
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 55
What are the microscopic vessels with thin walls that form a network of connecting tubes between arteries and veins?
Capillaries
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 47
What are the chestnuts?
The horny growths on the inside of the horse’s leg
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 55
What is the main role of the hindquarters of the horse?
They provide the force for propulsion
Source: Horse Science (National 4-H Council), p. 7
Considered as a unit, the skin, hair and hooves of the horse acts as the largest single organ of the horse’s body. Give the name.
Integument
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 128
What cartilage closes the air passage when food is swallowed?
Epiglottis
Source: Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, p. 97 / The Horse, Evans, p. 105
The mouth is the passage way to the digestive tract. Give another name for the mouth.
Oral passage, buccal cavity
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 92
When a horse is chewing, why is the jaw movement vertical and lateral?
The upper jaw is wider than the lower jaw
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 93
What do you call the measurement around the horse’s body just back of the withers?
Girth (Heartgirth)
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
Where is the gaskin located?
Below the stifle
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
On a horse, what do you call the distinct space between the jawbone & neck?
Throatlatch
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
What bone is located between the cannon bone & the short pastern?
Long pastern
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 505-5
What bone is located at the lowest point in the hoof?
Coffin bone
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 505-5
What is the name of the joint above the pastern?
Fetlock
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
What is the cannon?
The lower leg bone below the knee and hock & above the fetlock
(Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3)
Where is the croup?
The part of the back just in front of the tail
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
A third eyelid or membrane in front of the eye which removes foreign bodies from the eye is called what?
Haw (nicitating membrane)
Source: Horse Science (National 4-H Council), p. 4 / The Horse, Evans, p. 126
What is an ergot?
A horny growth behind the fetlock joint
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 128
Where is the pastern found?
Between the coronet band & the fetlock
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
Where is the coronet band located?
It is the hairline above the hoof
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
Where is the crest?
Area located under the mane; top line of the neck
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 142
The heart, arteries, capillaries and veins of the horse make up what system?
Cardiovascular System
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 111
What part of the horse needs to be deep & fairly thick with good V-muscling?
Chest
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 152
What is another term for the trunk area of the horse?
Barrel
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
In connection with the eye, what does the term “haw” mean?
A third eyelid or membrane that removes foreign bodies from the eye (nicitating membrane)
(Source: Horse Science (National 4-H Council), p. 4 / The Horse, Evans, p. 126)
What is located between the forehead & muzzle?
Face
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
What joint is located between the shoulder & knee?
Elbow
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
What joint is located between the elbow & fetlock?
Knee
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
The part of the horse between the withers & loin is called what?
Back
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
What do you call the part of the foot that’s around the outside of the hoof?
Wall
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 505-1
The elbow, knee & fetlock are all joints on which leg?
Front
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
The stifle, hock & fetlock are all joints on which leg?
Rear
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
What part of the horse lies between the knee & fetlock?
Cannon
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
What part of the horse is located directly above the stifle?
Thigh
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 142
What is the part of the horse located between the rump & the quarter?
Buttocks
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 142
How many pasterns does a horse have & what is the best angle?
Four pasterns - 45-50 degree angle is best
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 230-6
What is located between the elbow & the knee?
The forearm
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
What is the term for the area between the last rib & the croup?
Coupling or loin
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-6
What is another name for the fetlock joint?
Ankle
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
Give 2 names for the area of the horse between the loin & the buttock.
Croup, Rump
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 152
Why is it difficult for cuts, bruises, etc. to heal below the knees or hocks?
There are no muscles below knees & hocks; therefore the blood supply is limited
(Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 98)
What do you call the curved covering of horn over the foot?
Hoof
Source: AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
What is the purpose of the deep flexor tendon?
Flexes the hoof for each step
Source: Horses and Horsemanship (National 4-H Council), p. 48
What is the purpose of the extensor tendon?
Causes the extension of the hoof for each step
Source: Horses and Horsemanship (National 4-H Council), p. 48
What is the name for the part of the horse located at the junction of the neck & back?
Withers
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 151 / AYHC Horse Industry Handbook, 220-3
How many teats does a mare have?
Two
Source: The Horse, Evans, p. 322
What part of the foot is located between the plantar cushion & the insensitive frog?
Sensitive frog
Source: Horses and Horsemanship (National 4-H Council), p. 49
What is the tactile sense?
The sense of touch
Source: Equine Science, Griffiths, p. 64
