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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract / Anatomy of the thoracolumbar vertebral region.
The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice1999; 15(1); 13-v; doi: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30161-x

Anatomy of the thoracolumbar vertebral region.

Abstract: A thorough understanding of the structure and function of the equine vertebral column can provide a clearer understanding of thoracolumbar spinal disorders. Three primary functions of the vertebral column include protection of the spinal cord, support for weight bearing, and flexibility for locomotion. Osseous structures provide structural support and vary from one vertebral region to another as functional requirements change. The spinal musculature produces complex vertebral movements while the spinal ligaments provide stability to the vertebral column. Proprioception and nociception are two important neurologic functions of the vertebral articulations.
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Publication Date: 1999-04-28 PubMed ID: 10218239DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30161-xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study focuses on the anatomy and function of the equine thoracolumbar vertebral region, which plays a role in spinal disorders. The vertebral column is responsible for protecting the spinal cord, supporting weight, and providing flexibility.

Anatomy of the Thoracolumbar Vertebral Region

  • The study presents an in-depth look into the structure of the vertebral column of horses, specifically the thoracolumbar region. The research finds this understanding crucial to diagnosing, treating, and preventing spinal disorders in the animals.
  • The vertebral column has three main functions: protecting the spinal cord from injuries, supporting the weight of the organism, and providing flexibility for movement.
  • The vertebral region differs across the column due to the changing functional requirements. The differences include size, shape, and the strengths of the bones.

Functions of the Spinal Musculature and Ligaments

  • The study delineates the role of spinal musculature and ligaments. The spinal muscles are responsible for the complex movements of the vertebral column.
  • The ligaments, on the other hand, provide stability to the column, preventing abnormal or excess movements that could lead to injuries.

Neurologic Functions of the Vertebral Articulations

  • Apart from structural support and facilitating movement, the vertebral column also possesses important neurologic functions.
  • The vertebral articulations, the points where the vertebrae attach to each other, are crucial for proprioception and nociception.
  • Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to perceive its own position and movement in space, a critical aspect of coordination and balance.
  • Nociception is the sensory nervous system’s response to harmful or potentially harmful stimuli, triggering reactions like the reflex withdrawal of a limb or feelings of pain to avoid injury. This function helps the organism respond appropriately to damage or threats of damage to its tissues.

Cite This Article

APA
Haussler KK. (1999). Anatomy of the thoracolumbar vertebral region. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 15(1), 13-v. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30161-x

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 0749-0739
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Pages: 13-v

Researcher Affiliations

Haussler, K K
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses / anatomy & histology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology
  • Spine / anatomy & histology

References

This article includes 34 references

Citations

This article has been cited 16 times.
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