Equine Neck, Trunk, and Back

Question 1

Superficial Neck Flexor and Extensor muscles

Answer 1

Question 2

What is being shown on the skeleton? What part is the dark blue? The light blue?

Answer 2

Nuchal ligament

Cord

Lamella

Question 3

What is lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis?

Answer 3

Lordosis: downward deviation of lumbar and distal thoracic spine

Kyphosis: upward deviation of spine

Scoliosis: lateral deviation of parts of spinal column

Question 4

What vertebrae correspond to the withers?

Answer 4

Thoracic vertebrae 3-7

Question 5

How many sacral vertebrae does the horse have?

Answer 5

5

Question 6

Where, in general are epaxial and hypaxial muscles located? What are their functions?

Answer 6

Epaxial: dorsal to transverse processes, extend spine, lateral movement (when contracted unilaterally)

Hypaxial: ventral to transverse processes, flex spine, can induce lateral movements

Question 7

What is the main movement in the thoracic vertebrae? Lumbar?

Answer 7

Thoracic: axial rotation, lateral flexion

Lumbar: dorsoventral

Question 8

What muscles typically produce lateral flexion?

Answer 8

Iliocostal, longissimus, oblique abdominal muscles