Module Identifier RD16710  
Module Title EQUINE ANATOMY  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Mr Neil R McEwan  
Semester Semester 1  
Course delivery Lecture   22 x 1 hour lectures  
  Practical   4 x 3 hour practicals  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam1.5 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4  40%
Semester Assessment Dissection-based assignment Outcomes assessed: 1, 2  60%
Supplementary Assessment Candidates will be required to re-take the element(s) of assessment that resulted in failure of the module   

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Outcome 1
Impart an understanding of equine structure and its effect on movement.
Performance criteria:
a. The major structures of the equine skeleton are detailed
b. A knowledge of the structure and function of bone, joints, ligaments and tendons is demonstrated
c. A knowledge of the major muscle masses is demonstrated and related to the movement of joints
d. The anatomy of the equine is related to movement and the stresses and strains at each gait.
Ranges:
Warm blood, cold blood, hot blood
All major muscle blocks
Rest, walk, trot, canter, gallop

Outcome 2
Impart an understanding of how the horse perceives its environment and the limitations this presents.
Performance criteria:
a. A knowledge of structure and function of the equine eye is demonstrated.
b. A knowledge of the structure and function of the equine ear is demonstrated.
c. The structure of the equine skin and hair is related to its function.
d. The horse's perception of its environment and surroundings is discussed.
Ranges:
Thermoregulation, protection.
Internal and external environment
Show jumping, eventing, racing, leisure riding.

Outcome 3
Understand the structure and function of the equine head.
Performance criteria:
a. The changes within the equine head to allow respiration are given.
b. The horse's dentition is described and is correctly counted from its age and its teeth.
Ranges:
0 - 25 years
Rest and exercise

Outcome 4
To understand how and why the horse has evolved the characteristics of today's modern equid.
Performance criteria:
a. The process of evolution in general is appreciated
b. The processes of early evolution of the equine are given
c. Evolution of the 'Equus' is considered and the forces resulting in the modern-day horse are appreciated
Ranges
Cold blood, warm blood, hot blood
Plateau, oriental, occidental
America, Africa, Europe.

Brief description

To successfully manage horses at all levels it is essential to have an understanding of equine structure and function. In this module, equine gross anatomy, skeletal and muscular function and sensory perception will be investigated and related to man's demands upon the horse.

Aims

This course is designed to teach students how to:

Investigate the gross anatomy of the horse both in terms of morphology and function.
Investigate the functions of all the major body organs, including the superficial and deep muscle blocks, skeletal structures and functions, the foot, the cardio-vascular system, the respiratory system, and the auditory and visual systems.
Recognise and identify the major anatomical structures and systems within the horse.
Relate and understand the function of the major anatomical structures and systems within the horse.

Reading Lists

Books
Goody, P C (1983) Hrse anatomy. A pictorial approach to equine structure J A Allen
Pollitt, C C (1995) Colour atlas of the horse's foot Mosby-Wolfe
Riegel, R J and Hakola S E (1996) Illustrated atlas of clinical equine anatomy and common disorders of the horse
Sisson and Grossman (1975) The anatomy of the domestic animals 5th.
Smyth, R H and Goody, P C (1975) The horse structure and movement J A Allen & Co Ltd
Adams (1987) Lameness in the horse 4th.
Ashdown, R D (1987) Colour atlas of veterinary medicine Vol 2 The Horse
Bone (1988) Animal anatomy and physiology 3rd.
Budras, Sack and Rock (1994) Anatomy of the horse
Dyce, K M, Sack, W O and Wensing, C J G (1996) Textbook of veterinary anatomy 2nd. W B Saunders
Frandson, R D (1981) Anatomy and physiology of farm animals Lea and Febiger

Web Page/Sites
www.horseshoes.com/anatomy
www/geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/6358/anatomy.html
http://numbat.murdoch.edu.au/horse head series/hheadl02.html

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4