Hoof Anatomy Flashcards
Coronet
Proximal edge of hoof
seen as a raised line under the distal edge of hair skin
point go growth
Hoof Wall
Made of Keratin
complex design
tubular and inter tubular components
controls crack growth and increases fracture thoughness
3 layers of Hoof wall
Stratum externum
Stratum medium
Stratum internum
Sole
Concave, insensitive side of foot
protects sensitive sole inside
may be bruised or punctured
White lines
continuation of stratum internum to bottom of hoof, where hoof wall and sole meet
Bars
Inwards folds of wall, originating from the apex of the frog
Frog
Thick triangular shaped, cornified tissue at the centre of the underside of the foot, Digital cushion lies under the frog
Digital Cushion and heel Bulbs
The heel bulbs are continuation of the digital cushion
Shock absorber
Support Bone structure
Pump Action
Weight applied, frog and digital cushion are compressed
Pressure is absorbed by slight outwards movement of bars
Helps blood flow by forcing blood out and up the veins of the horses legs
Lamine
Connection between inner surface of the hoof wall and outer surface of distal coffin bone
Lateral Cartliage
Wings on either side of coffin bone
contributes to elasticity
Absorbs shock but evening out
Navicular bone
Small bone sits between coffin bone and short pastern
surface at the back of the bone is smooth whichh helps in movement of the tendon over it
