Equine Forelimb

Question 1

What carries more weight, the forelimb or the hindlimb

Answer 1

The forelimb carries more weight than the hindlimb because of the weight of the head, the neck, and the cranially distended thorax and it lands on the ground before the hindlimb. Thus, the forelimb encounters more injuries than the hindlimb.

Question 2

Joints of the forelimb

Answer 2

There are 6 Joints
1. Shoulder
2. Elbow
3. Carpal
4.Fetlock
5. Pastern
6.Coffin

Question 3

The Shoulder Joint

Answer 3

The shoulder joint is an articulation between the scapula and the humerus

Question 4

The Elbow Joint

Answer 4

The elbow joint is an articulation between the humerus and the radius and ulna

Question 5

The Carpal Joint

Answer 5

Consists of 3 distinct joints.
1. Radio-carpal joint
2. Inter-carpal Joint
3. Carpo-metacarpal joint

Question 6

Radio-carpal Joint

Answer 6

Articulation between the distal end of the radius and the first row of carpal bones (accessory, ulnar, intermediate, and radial) (lateral to medial)

Question 7

Inter-carpal Joint

Answer 7

Articulation between the first row of carpal bones and the second row of carpal bones, fourth, third, and second carpal bones (lateral to medial)

Question 8

Carpo-metacarpal joint

Answer 8

Articulation between the second row of carpal bones and the second metacarpal bone (medial splint bone), third metacarpal bone (cannon bone) and fourth (lateral splint bone) metacarpal bones

Question 9

The Fetlock Joint

Answer 9

The fetlock joint is an articulation between the distal end of the third metacarpal/cannon bone, the proximal sesamoid bones and the first phalanx.

Question 10

The Pastern Joint

Answer 10

The pastern joint is an articulation between the first and second phalanx

Question 11

The Coffin Joint

Answer 11

The coffin joint is an articulation between the second phalanx, the distal sesamoid bone, the navicular bone, and the third phalanx or the coffin bone.

Question 12

What structure is located at the olecranon process and what is this structures function

Answer 12

At the olecranon process, there is the olecranon bursa to reduce friction.

Question 13

Clinical significance of the olecranon bursa

Answer 13

Capped elbow
Which is the inflammation and calcification of the olecranon bursa

Question 14

What muscles are on the lateral side of the scapula

Answer 14

Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus

Question 15

What muscles are on the medial side of the scapula

Answer 15

Subscapularis

Question 16

Where is the suprascapular nerve

Answer 16

Between the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus

Question 17

Clinical significance of suprascapular nerve

Answer 17

Because the nerve runs directly under the skin, trauma can occur which may lead to sweeny horse

Manifested clinically by lameness, scapular muscle atrophy and a prominent scapular spine

Question 18

What muscles are on the lateral and medial aspects of the humerus

Answer 18

Biceps
Triceps

Question 19

Where is the bicipital bursa located

Answer 19

Between the tendon of origin of the biceps muscle and the head of the humerus.

Question 20

What is the function of the tendon of the biceps

Answer 20

Prevents overflexion of the shoulder joint

Question 21

Passive Stay Apparatus

Answer 21

A function that enables the horse to rest while standing and use a minimal amount of muscular energy. Instead of using muscles to stabilize joints, this function is performed by tendons and ligaments which do not fatigue to the same extent as joints.

Question 22

Components of the Passive Stay apparatus

Answer 22

Shoulder Joint: The tendon of the biceps which prevent

Elbow Joint: The collateral ligaments

Question 23

Muscles on the lateral surface of the radius distally from the humerus

Answer 23

Extensor