First 21 Muscles Actions

Question 1

Brachiocephlic (3)

Answer 1

● Pull the foreleg forward
● Lower the neck and head
● When the leg is planted, it will help flex the head and neck laterally

Question 2

Triceps Brachii (1)

Answer 2

it will propel or push the body forward to catch up with the leg.

Question 3

Trapezius - both cervical and thoracic

Answer 3

The Trapezius muscle elevates the shoulder. It also lifts the scapula and slides it backward and forward.

Question 4

LATISSIMUS DORSI (2)

Answer 4

• The Latissimus Dorsi will pull the attached limb back toward the trunk.
• If the limb is planted on the ground, the Latissimus Dorsi will push the body forward.

Question 5

Cervical Ventral Serratus

Answer 5

When both the Cervical and Thoracic Serratus are working together, they support much of the weight of the trunk, acting like a sling.

When active, this muscle pulls the upper scapula forward and upward. When leg is planted, it will raise the base of the neck.

Question 6

Thoracic. Ventral Serrated

Answer 6

When both the Cervical and Thoracic Serratus are working together, they support much of the weight of the trunk, acting like a sling.

When the leg is planted, this muscle supports the trunk. When in action, it pulls the the scapula down and back.

Question 7

Descending Pectoral

Answer 7

Will pull the foreleg inward toward the body center (adduct) and extend it forward.

Question 8

Ascending Pectoral (Deep pectoral)

Answer 8

When the forelimb is raised pull it back toward the body and also inward toward the body center (adduct).

Question 9

Deltoid (2)

Answer 9

will flex the shoulder and rotate the foreleg outwardly as well as pull the leg away from the body.

Question 10

Tensor Fascia Lata (2)

Answer 10

• This muscle actually does what its name says: It tenses the fascia latta.
• It will also flex the hip and extend the stifle

Question 11

Gluteus Superficialis (2)

Answer 11

• Flexes the hip
• Abducts the hindlimb

Question 12

Semitendinosis (2)

Answer 12

• If the limb is planted on the ground, it will extend the hip and the hock
• When the leg is in motion, it will flex the stifle

Question 13

Biceps Femoris (3)

Answer 13

• Will retract or pull the hind leg backward.
• It will abduct or pull the leg slightly out away from the body.
• It will flex (or bend) the stifle.

Question 14

Semimembranosis (2)

Answer 14

• Will draw the hind limb medially
• will retract the hind leg.

Question 15

Gluteus Medius (2)

Answer 15

• Will extend the hip
• Will abduct the leg

Question 16

Quadriceps

Answer 16

Extends the stifle

Question 17

Longissimus Dorsi (one side/both sides)

Answer 17

When both sides are contracting, the Longissimus will extend and support the spine.
When one side is active, it will bend the body sideways

Question 18

The 4 Abdominal Muscles

Answer 18

The three abdominal muscles on the sides of the horse compress the abdomen and help with expiration in the breathing process, the birthing process for mares and defecation.
The Rectus Abdominis (the midline of the underbelly) helps to support the trunk.

Question 19

Rhomboid (2)

Answer 19

Will draw the scapula forward and upward.
If the leg is planted, they will raise the neck and head.

Question 20

Nuchal Ligament

Answer 20

The Nuchal Ligament is what gives form to the horse’s neck. It literally helps to hold up the horse’s head and helps the muscles of the neck raise and lower the head and neck. The Nuchal Ligament helps to suspend the horse’s head when sleeping or resting without putting all the strain on the muscles.