Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Foot.

The research article is a comprehensive review of the anatomical structure and physiological functions of equine foot, using the universally accepted Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria terminology.

Overview of the Research Article

This research paper presents an in-depth study of the structure and functioning of the horse foot. It lays a significant emphasis on the importance of basic understanding of the subject matter. The horse foot is comprehensively defined to include the hoof’s epidermal capsule and all structures it encompasses.

Foot Anatomy

• The foot anatomy is detailed in this section, reinforcing the understanding of the protective hoof capsule and its contents.
• It describes the hoof capsule as a hard, outer covering of the foot, made of keratin, a tough protective protein.
• The structures inside the hoof capsule, enveloped by it, include the sensitive laminae, bones, cartilages, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels, collectively known as the foot.

Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV)

• The anatomical nomenclature discussed in the paper follows the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, a widely accepted international standard for anatomical terminology for animals.
• NAV provides a structured, uniform terminology, facilitating clear communication and understanding in the field of veterinary anatomy, thereby reducing confusion and ambiguity.

Importance of Fundamental Knowledge

• The paper highlights the importance of having a fundamental understanding of the horse foot’s anatomy and physiology.
• This knowledge is crucial from a veterinary perspective for diagnosing and treating foot ailments in horses. It aids in understanding the cause of particular symptoms, and in turn, developing effective treatment methods.