What Is The Function Of Lumbar Vertebrae In The Horse?

The vertebrae make up a long bony chain to protect the spinal cord. At each vertebra a pair of spinal nerves branches off from the spinal cord to penetrate every part of the horse’s body. Muscles are attached by their ligaments to the lateral and articular processes of the vertebrae so enabling the horse to move.

What does lumbar vertebrae do for a horse?

Spiny processes in the lumbar vertebrae face forward towards the head, whereas those in the sacrum face the tail. Consequently, there is a V shape where they meet. That is known as the lumbar/sacral junction, which is what enables a horse to bring its hindleg under its body.

Where are the lumbar vertebrae on a horse?

The six lumbar vertebrae, L1 to L6, make up the spine between the thoracic vertebrae and the pelvis. Their dorsal spinal processes are heavier and taller than the ones in the middle of the horse’s back, but not as high as those in the withers. Some horses have only five lumbar vertebrae.

How many lumbar vertebrae do horses have?

6 lumbar vertebrae
The domestic horse, Shetland pony, zebras, Arabian horses and hybrids normally have 6 lumbar vertebrae, the donkeys and hemiones have 5 but exceptions were found in all classes.

What is a lumbar vertebrae?

The lumbar vertebrae are, in human anatomy, the five vertebrae between the rib cage and the pelvis.

Are the lumbar vertebrae fused in horses?

The sacrum is behind the lumbar vertebrae. In the adult horse, it is a solid bone comprised of 5 fused vertebrae.

What is the function of the lumbar vertebrae of a mammal?

Lumbar Vertebrae Function
The lumbar vertebrae’s function is to support the great weight of the body and allow certain movements, such as lifting objects. The lumbar vertebrae flex and extend through rotation between the vertebrae and movements in the sagittal plane between them.

How many cervical thoracic and lumbar vertebrae do horses have?

A horse’s spine is made up of 7 cervical vertebrae, 18 thoracic vertebrae (that connect with the ribs), 6 lumbal vertebrae, 5 sacral vertebrae (which are fused, creating the sacrum) and 16 to 18 coccygeal vertebrae.

Why are horses backs so strong?

Muscles and ligaments
The horse has no collarbone. Hence the entire torso is attached to the shoulders by powerful muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The spine of a horse’s back is supported by muscles, three ligaments, and abdominal muscles.

What is the back of the horse called?

Hindquarters: the large, muscular area of the hind legs, above the stifle and behind the barrel. Can also be used to refer to the back end of a horse.

Which processes found in lumbar vertebrae?

Bony Anatomy. The lumbar vertebra consists of the vertebral body, pedicles, laminae, and superior and inferior articular processes, along with the transverse and spinous processes.

How many lumbar vertebrae are there in animals?

In fact, the majority of mammals possess 19 or 20 thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, for a total of 26 or 27 “CTL” vertebrae (for “cervical, thoracic, and lumbar” vertebrae).

What horse has one less vertebrae?

Arabian horses
Arabian horses don’t just look like they have shorter backs than other horses; they actually do. This is because they have one fewer vertebrae than other horses, as well as one less pair of ribs. Their shorter backs make them stronger because they have a better structure for supporting weight on their back.

What are two unique features of lumbar vertebrae?

Distinguishing features of the lumbar vertebrae include a thick and stout vertebral body, a blunt, quadrilateral spinous process for the attachment of strong lumbar muscles, and articular processes that are oriented differently than those found on the other vertebrae.

What type of bone is lumbar vertebrae?

irregular bones
The lumbar vertebrae are classified as irregular bones. In fact, all of the vertebrae are irregular bones.

What muscles attach to lumbar vertebrae?

Lumbar vertebrae provide attachment points for numerous muscles: erector spinae, interspinales, intertransversarii, latissimus dorsi, rotatores, and serratus posterior inferior.

What happens when lumbar vertebrae fused together?

This occurs when the vertebrae (spinal bones) actually grow together fusing the spine due to calcification of the ligaments and discs between each vertebrae. If the vertebrae fuse together, the spine is robbed of mobility, leaving the vertebrae brittle and vulnerable to fractures.

Why do horses get kissing spine?

Kissing spines are likely acquired. They can be the result of a variety of factors, including poor saddle fit and improper training that allows the horse to carry itself with its head up, back hollow, and not engaging the muscles in its core. Genetic factors are possible, but none have been identified to date.

Can I ride a horse after lumbar fusion?

Horseback Riding
If you are a low back patient, wait at least eight weeks before resuming your rides. Fusion patients should wait at least twelve weeks. The demeanor of the horse is certainly important when you return to riding. Do not choose to ride an overly spirited horse too soon after your surgery.

What are the 3 main functions of the vertebrae?

The three main functions of the spine are to: Protect the spinal cord, nerve roots and several of the body’s internal organs. Provide structural support and balance to maintain an upright posture. Enable flexible motion.

What is the function of each vertebrae?

The vertebrae protect and support the spinal cord. They also bear the majority of the weight put upon your spine. The body of each vertebra is the large, round portion of bone. The body of each vertebra is attached to a bony ring.