Unit E - Equine Anatomy

Muscles are attached to bones by tendons. Tendons are tough, fibrous connective tissues that connect muscles to bones, allowing the muscles to exert force and move the bones. They are flexible yet strong, enabling the transmission of the force generated by the muscles to the bones, resulting in movement.

The correct answer is "Ribs" because horses, like other mammals, have a ribcage that protects their internal organs. The ribcage consists of pairs of ribs that attach to the horse's spine and curve around to the sternum or breastbone. The ribs provide structural support and help to protect vital organs such as the heart and lungs.

The lungs lie to the sides and fill most of the thoracic cavity. They are essential organs for respiration, responsible for taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. The lungs are protected by the ribcage and are surrounded by a thin membrane called the pleura. They play a crucial role in maintaining the body's oxygen levels and removing waste gases.

The thoracic cavity is the correct answer because it is the cavity that houses both the heart and the lungs. The abdominal cavity is located below the thoracic cavity and contains organs such as the stomach and intestines. The pelvic cavity is located below the abdominal cavity and contains organs such as the bladder and reproductive organs. The dorsal cavity is located on the backside of the body and contains the brain and spinal cord. Therefore, the thoracic cavity is the only option that includes both the heart and the lungs.

Microbial action refers to the process of breaking down food by extremely tiny organisms within the digestive tract. These organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. They break down complex molecules into simpler forms that can be easily absorbed by the body. This process is essential for proper digestion and nutrient utilization. Mechanical action, on the other hand, refers to the physical movement of food through the digestive system, while excretory action pertains to the elimination of waste products from the body.

The fleshy side of the horse between the hip and the ribs is known as the flank.

The correct answer is "Barrel" because the barrel refers to the central region of the horse's body, which includes the area from the back to the abdomen. It is called the barrel because it is cylindrical in shape, similar to the shape of a barrel. The barrel is an important area for saddle fitting and provides support for the rider.

The statement is incorrect. The small but efficient part of the digestive system that utilizes grain is actually known as the small intestine, not the spleen. The spleen is an organ that is part of the immune system and is not involved in the digestion of food. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

The lungs are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Oxygen is taken in from the atmosphere and transported to the body's cells, while carbon dioxide, a waste product, is removed from the cells and expelled from the body. This exchange occurs through the process of respiration, where oxygen is inhaled into the lungs and carbon dioxide is exhaled out of the lungs.

The statement is false. The alimentary canal is a hollow, muscular tube that runs from the mouth to the anus, but it is not under 100 feet long. The actual length of the alimentary canal varies from person to person, but it is generally around 30 feet long.

Peristalsis refers to the wave-like contractions of muscles that propel food and water through the esophagus and into the stomach. These contractions help to move the ingested substances in a coordinated and efficient manner, ensuring that they reach the stomach for further digestion and absorption. This process is essential for proper digestion and the transportation of nutrients throughout the digestive system.

The correct answer is thoracic and pelvic. The abdominal cavity is situated between the thoracic cavity, which is located above it and contains the organs of the chest, and the pelvic cavity, which is located below it and contains the organs of the pelvis.

Horses have approximately 210 bones. This means that the skeletal structure of a horse consists of 210 individual bones.

The correct answer is vertebral column. The vertebral column is a crucial skeletal structure that includes a series of bones located in the neck, tail, croup, back, and loin. It provides support and protection to the spinal cord and allows for movement and flexibility in the body. The vertebral column is made up of individual vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other, forming a strong and flexible structure.

The cecum aids in the utilization of roughage. The cecum is a pouch-like structure located at the beginning of the large intestine in mammals. It contains bacteria and other microorganisms that help break down cellulose, a component of roughage, into digestible substances. This fermentation process allows animals to extract nutrients from plant material that they would not be able to digest otherwise. Therefore, the cecum plays a crucial role in the digestion and utilization of roughage in the diet.