Equine Anatomy: The Nervous and Muscular Systems

(CNS) Consists of the brain and spinal cord, which perform very specific functions

Consists of nerves

PNS Consists of numerous pairs of nerves that exit the spinal column at vertebral level (spinal bones; Vertebrae)

PNS Consists of octic nerves that enhance peripheral vision

Sensory nerves that carry information FROM the body TO the central nervous system (CNS)

Sensory nerves that carry information TO the body FROM the central nervous system (CNS)

MOTOR NERVES which carry information FROM the CNS TO the body parts.

Motor NERVES which carry information TO the CNS from the body parts.

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM, maintains a stable internal environment. Governs the vital organs and their complex functions that are normally carried out INVOLUNTARILY. Ex. Breathing, circulation, digestion, elimination and the immune response. Has TWO major divisions: The Sympathetic and The Parasympathetic.

AUTOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM, maintains a stable internal environment. Governs the vital organs and their complex functions that are normally carried out VOLUNTARILY. Ex. Breathing, circulation, digestion, elimination and the immune response. Has THREE major divisions: The Sympathetic and The Parasympathetic and The Nervous

Regulates INVOLUNTARY activities that keep the body running smoothly under normal, everyday conditions.

Regulates VOLUNTARY activities that keep the body running smoothly under stressful situations.

A muscle is the fleshy part of the body that enables the skeleton to move. Contracts in response to nervous command.

A muscle is the fleshy part of the body that enables the tendons to move. Contracts in response to nervous command.

Skeletal muscles involuntary; they do not function with the horses movement.

Skeletal muscles are voluntary; they function in the horses movement.

Cardiac and Smooth Muscles

Skeletal and Cardiac Muscles

Smooth and Skeletal Muscles

Cardiac and Skeletal Muscles

Origin Tendon and Insertion Tendon

Fast Twitch Fibers and Slow Twitch Fibers

Golgi Apparatus and Muscle Spindle

Seals the capsular ligament (Joint Capsule) which produces a viscous, lubricating, secretion.

One of two types of sensory nerve endings in the muscles. Nerve endings of this prevent over stretching of the muscle fibers. This nerve fiber coils around the length of the muscle bundle.

One of two types of sensory nerve endings in the muscles. These nerve endings send feedback impulses to the brain as to the whereabouts of the muscles, this process is referred to as proprioception (being aware of the body and its actions)

Connective tissue that covers, supports and separates the muscle bundles and the whole muscle itself.

A dense white fibrous tissue, much like that of a ligament.

The portion of the muscle that attaches to the bone.

When the muscles do not release, staying contracted, resulting in a spasm.

AEROBIC FIBERS; they NEED oxygen in order to do their job. They also have strong endurance qualities. ST and FT are genetically inherited, some breeds are bred specifically for their tendency to have more slow twitch or fast twitch fibers. Ex. ST- Draft Horse, for endurance. FT - Quarter horse, for speed.

ANAEROBIC FIBERS; they DO NOT need oxygen to work and are therefore able to deliver the quick muscular effort required for a sudden burst of speed. They are only able to perform for a short amount of time. ST and FT are genetically inherited, some breeds are bred specifically for their tendency to have more slow twitch or fast twitch fibers. Ex. ST- Draft Horse, for endurance. FT - Quarter horse, for speed.

Are ANAEROBIC FIBERS; they DO NOT need oxygen to work and therefore able to deliver the quick muscular effort required for a sudden burst of speed. ST and FT are genetically inherited, some breeds are bred specifically for their tendency to have more slow twitch or fast twitch fibers. Ex. ST- Draft Horse, for endurance. FT - Quarter horse, for speed.

Are AEROBIC FIBERS; they need oxygen in order to do their job. They require a good supply of blood to bring oxygen to them and to remove waste products created during exercise. ST and FT are genetically inherited, some breeds are bred specifically for their tendency to have more slow twitch or fast twitch fibers. Ex. ST- Draft Horse, for endurance. FT - Quarter horse, for speed.

Covers, supports, and separates the muscle bundles and the whole muscle itself.

A dense, white, fibrous tissue, much like that of a ligament.

A dense white fibrous tissue, much like that of a ligament.

Covers, supports and separates the muscle bundles and the whole muscle itself. This arrangement allows for greater support, strength, and flexibility in the movement between each of the muscle groups.

Muscles are attached to the bone by Fascia.

Fascia

Tendons

ligaments

Attaches the muscle to the least movable bone

Attaches the muscle to the movable bone, so that on contraction the insertion is brought closer to the origin.

Attaches the muscle to the movable bone, so that on contraction the insertion is brought closer to the origin.

Attaches the muscle to the least movable bone.

Attaches the muscles to the bones.

Holds bones together.