Skeletal System of The Horse - Appendicular Skeleton

Appendicular Skeleton

See also: Equine forelimb anatomy

The appendicular skeleton contains the fore and hindlimbs. The hindlimb attaches to the vertebral column via the pelvis, while the forelimb does not directly attach to the spine (as a horse does not have a collar bone), and is instead suspended in place by muscles and tendons. This allows great mobility in the front limb, and is partially responsible for the horse's ability to fold his legs up when jumping. Although the hindlimb supports only about 40% of the weight of the animal, it creates most of the forward movement of the horse, and is stabilized through attachments to the spine.

Read more about this topic:  Skeletal System Of The Horse

Famous quotes containing the word skeleton:

    The Queen has lands and gold, Mother
    The Queen has lands and gold,
    While you are forced to your empty breast
    A skeleton Babe to hold
    Amelia Edwards (1831–1892)