Specialized Structures & Equine Distal Limb

Question 1

Nuchal Ligament

Answer 1

Spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae to either the skull or the spinous process of C2. Difference between species depends on how much they need to conserve energy in locomotion and how much they need their head to be free to grab things while they are still running around.

e.g. dog that hunts in packs- mostly attached to spinous process of C2. The movement between C1 and C2 allows most of the rotation of the head. So a predator needs teeth while legs still support body- you don’t want ligament to attach there. But if you’re a horse or cow that grazes- it is useful as if you get a sudden surprise- your head can fly up. Also, while you’re gliding- it holds your head in a consistent position while the body is moving around.

Question 2

2 parts of the equine nuchal ligament

Answer 2

Question 3

Answer 3

Nuchal ligament in a dog

Question 4

Answer 4

Question 5

Question 6

What are the stifle ligaments in a horse?

Answer 6

1. Medial patellar ligament (hooks over the medial epicondyle of the femur)
2. Reciprocal apparatus (SDFT + peroneus terius- on the front)
3. Suspensory apparatus (supports the fetlock in a hyperextended position)

Question 7

What does the suspensary apparatus do in a horse?

Answer 7

“suspends” the fetlock

Question 8

What can nerves actually effect?

Answer 8

Contract muscles and make glands secrete. Not talking about sensory