ECC Equine Anatomy & Physiology 3

Question 1

What term describes the joint between the sacrum and the ilium in the horse, and what type of joint is it?

Accepted Answer

Sacroiliac joint; synovial and syndesmotic composite

Answer

The sacroiliac joint is a composite joint with a small synovial component cranioventrally and a large syndesmotic (fibrous) component, allowing minimal but critical motion.

Question 2

The digital flexor tendon sheath in the equine digit extends from approximately which anatomical landmarks?

Accepted Answer

Mid-cannon to the distal pastern

Answer

The digital flexor tendon sheath extends from approximately the mid-metacarpal/metatarsal region to the distal pastern, encasing the flexor tendons through the fetlock.

Question 3

Which nerve plexus supplies the forelimb of the horse, and which nerve is most commonly injured in 'sweeney' (shoulder atrophy)?

Accepted Answer

Brachial plexus; suprascapular nerve

Answer

The brachial plexus supplies the forelimb, and the suprascapular nerve is typically damaged in 'sweeney,' causing atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles.

Question 4

In the equine vertebral column, what is the function of the articular facets (zygapophyseal joints) at the thoracolumbar junction?

Accepted Answer

Guide and limit spinal motion while transmitting compressive loads

Answer

Zygapophyseal (facet) joints guide the direction of permitted movement and limit excessive motion while sharing compressive and shear loads with the intervertebral disc.

Question 5

The 'stay apparatus' of the equine hindlimb relies on which structure locking the stifle to maintain limb extension with minimal muscle effort?

Accepted Answer

Patellar tendon locking over the medial trochlear ridge of the femur

Answer

The medial patellar ligament hooks over the medial trochlear ridge of the femur, locking the stifle in extension and engaging the hindlimb stay apparatus.

(ECC) Equine Chiropractic Certification Practice Test

(ECC) Equine Chiropractic Certification Practice Test

ECC Equine Anatomy & Physiology 3