Anatomical and functional basis of facial expressions and their relationship with emotions in horses.
Abstract: An emotion is defined as the affective response to a stimulus that leads to specific bodily changes, enabling individuals to react to positive or negative environmental conditions. In the absence of speech, emotions in animals are primarily studied by observing expressive components, such as facial expressions. This review aims to analyze the available literature on the influence of environmental stimuli on measurable behaviors in horses, describing the anatomical components involved in perception at the central nervous system level and the efferent pathways that trigger facial muscle contraction or relaxation, thus altering facial expressions. Additionally, articles addressing the function of facial expressions in communication are discussed, emphasizing their role in social interactions in this species. While there is limited research on equine neurophysiology, considering the common structure of the limbic system in most mammals, studies conducted on canines and primates were taken into account. In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of understanding equine facial expressions to assess their emotional states and, by extension, their welfare.
Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2024-09-15 PubMed ID: 39303445DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105418Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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The study explores and reviews the intricate link between facial expressions, emotions, and their anatomical underpinnings in horses and emphasizes understanding these expressions to assess their emotional states and well-being.
About The Study
- This study aims to dissect the indicators of emotional responsiveness in horses triggered by environmental stimuli. This will be evaluated through observable behaviors prominently featuring facial expressions.
- In light of limited research related to equine neurophysiology, the review incorporates relevant studies performed on other mammals like dogs and primates, thanks to the similar structure of the limbic system.
Anatomical Components and Perception
- The research delves into the central nervous system’s role in perception, particularly discussing the anatomical structures involved in the process.
- It describes how the detection of environmental stimuli influences specific efferent pathways, which in turn control the contraction or relaxation of facial muscles, resulting in different facial expressions.
Facial Expressions in Communication
- The review includes a discussion on the studies addressing the communicative function of facial expressions in horses, focusing on their importance in social interactions within the species.
Understanding Equine Emotional States
- The article concludes by reinforcing the importance of understanding equine facial expressions. This understanding allows for accurate assessment of their emotional states – a key determinant of their overall welfare.
Final Remarks
- The main crux of this research review is investigating the influence of environmental stimuli on a horse’s emotional state, observable primarily in their facial expressions. Through this, the welfare of these animals can be better managed, ensuring they are in a conducive environment promoting their overall well-being.
Cite This Article
APA
Zimmermann B, Castro ANC, Lendez PA, Carrica Illia M, Carrica Illia MP, Teyseyre AR, Toloza JM, Ghezzi MD, Mota-Rojas D.
(2024).
Anatomical and functional basis of facial expressions and their relationship with emotions in horses.
Res Vet Sci, 180, 105418.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105418 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Animal Welfare Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina; Anatomy Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina. Electronic address: bzimmermann@vet.unicen.edu.ar.
- Anatomy Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina. Electronic address: alecas@vet.unicen.edu.ar.
- Anatomy Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina; CIVETAN, UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Electronic address: palendez@vet.unicen.edu.ar.
- Anatomy Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina. Electronic address: mcarrica@vet.unicen.edu.ar.
- Anatomy Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina. Electronic address: mpcarrica@vet.unicen.edu.ar.
- Higher Institute of Software Engineering of Tandil (ISISTAN) Faculty of Exact Sciences (FCExa), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina. Electronic address: alfredo.teyseyre@isistan.unicen.edu.ar.
- Higher Institute of Software Engineering of Tandil (ISISTAN) Faculty of Exact Sciences (FCExa), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina. Electronic address: juanmanuel.toloza@isistan.unicen.edu.ar.
- Animal Welfare Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina; Anatomy Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina. Electronic address: ghezzi@vet.unicen.edu.ar.
- Neurophysiology, Behaviour and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México 04960, Mexico. Electronic address: dmota100@yahoo.com.mx.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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