Equine Anatomy Course

Lesson 1 • Anatomical Terminology and Planes

Introduces directional terms, body planes, and positional language used in equine anatomy. Enables precise communication throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • External Conformation and Regions

Maps the horse's external body regions and conformation points. Connects surface anatomy to underlying structures.

Lesson 3 • Overview of Body Systems

Surveys all major organ systems and their interrelationships. Sets the framework for detailed study in subsequent chapters.

Lesson 1 • Bone Structure and Classification

Explains bone tissue composition, types, and growth processes. Provides the cellular basis for understanding skeletal function.

Lesson 2 • Appendicular Skeleton: Forelimb

Identifies all forelimb bones from scapula to distal phalanx. Connects bony anatomy to weight-bearing and locomotion.

Lesson 3 • Axial Skeleton: Skull and Vertebral Column

Details the bones of the head, spine, and ribcage. Establishes the central structural axis of the horse.

Lesson 4 • Appendicular Skeleton: Hindlimb

Covers hindlimb bones from pelvis to distal phalanx. Highlights propulsive function and differences from the forelimb.

Lesson 1 • Muscles of the Head and Neck

Maps masticatory, facial, and cervical muscles with their origins and insertions. Connects these muscles to feeding, expression, and neck mobility.

Lesson 2 • Muscle Tissue Types and Microstructure

Distinguishes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle at the cellular level. Establishes the physiological basis for muscle contraction.

Lesson 3 • Hindlimb Musculature

Details hip, stifle, hock, and digital muscles of the hindlimb. Connects hindlimb muscle anatomy to propulsion and the reciprocal apparatus.

Lesson 4 • Trunk and Back Musculature

Covers epaxial, hypaxial, and abdominal muscles supporting the spine and thorax. Relates trunk muscle function to collection and back health.

Lesson 1 • Major Hindlimb Tendons and Ligaments

Maps hindlimb flexor and extensor tendons and the reciprocal apparatus ligaments. Connects these structures to the passive stay mechanism.

Lesson 2 • Spinal and Nuchal Ligaments

Covers the nuchal, supraspinous, and interspinous ligaments supporting the vertebral column. Relates ligament tension to head carriage and back posture.

Lesson 3 • Connective Tissue Composition

Describes collagen fibre types, tenocytes, and extracellular matrix in tendons and ligaments. Provides the biochemical basis for mechanical properties.

Lesson 4 • Major Forelimb Tendons and Ligaments

Identifies the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, check ligaments, and suspensory apparatus. Explains their roles in the stay apparatus.

Lesson 1 • Arterial Distribution

Maps major arteries from the aorta to peripheral tissues. Connects arterial anatomy to oxygen delivery during exercise.

Lesson 2 • Lymphatic System

Covers lymph nodes, vessels, and the thoracic duct in the horse. Relates lymphatic drainage to immune function and oedema formation.

Lesson 3 • Heart Anatomy and Chambers

Details the four chambers, valves, and fibrous skeleton of the equine heart. Establishes the structural basis for cardiac output.

Lesson 1 • Large Intestine and Accessory Organs

Maps caecum, large colon, small colon, and rectum with their flexures. Connects large intestinal anatomy to fermentation and displacement colic.

Lesson 2 • Upper Respiratory Tract

Describes nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. Explains how upper airway anatomy affects airflow and vocalisation.

Lesson 3 • Lower Respiratory Tract and Lungs

Maps the trachea, bronchial tree, and lung lobes. Connects alveolar anatomy to gas exchange efficiency at high exercise intensities.

Lesson 4 • Stomach and Small Intestine

Details gastric regions, pylorus, and small intestinal segments. Explains anatomical features predisposing the horse to gastric ulcers and colic.

Lesson 1 • Central Nervous System Overview

Describes brain regions, spinal cord segments, and meningeal coverings. Establishes the structural hierarchy of neural control.

Lesson 2 • Autonomic Nervous System

Covers sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions and their equine targets. Explains autonomic control of heart rate, digestion, and stress response.

Lesson 3 • Lumbosacral Plexus and Hindlimb Nerves

Details the femoral, sciatic, tibial, and peroneal nerves of the hindlimb. Connects nerve distribution to ataxia and nerve block sites.

Lesson 4 • Spinal Nerves and Brachial Plexus

Maps cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spinal nerves and the brachial plexus. Relates nerve roots to forelimb motor and sensory deficits.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Equine Locomotion

Defines stride parameters, gait cycles, and ground reaction forces. Provides the mechanical framework for interpreting movement.

Lesson 2 • Lameness Evaluation and Anatomical Correlation

Applies anatomical knowledge to systematic lameness assessment. Students localise pain sources using nerve block anatomy and gait observation.

Lesson 3 • Gaits: Walk, Trot, and Canter

Analyses footfall sequences and limb coordination for each natural gait. Connects gait mechanics to muscular and tendon loading patterns.

Lesson 4 • Hoof Biomechanics and the Foot

Details hoof capsule anatomy, digital cushion, and laminar attachment. Relates hoof structure to force dissipation and laminitis pathophysiology.