Mechanical behavior and quantitative morphology of the equine laminar junction.
Abstract: The horse's hoof is structurally modified for its mechanical functions, but studying the functional design of internal structures is hampered by the external keratinous capsule. Finite-element analysis offers one method for evaluating mechanical function of components within the capsule, such as the laminar junction. This is the epidermodermal connection that binds the hoof wall strongly to the distal phalanx. Primary epidermal laminae (PEL), projecting inward from the wall, vary in morphology and are remodeled despite being keratinous. The aim of this study is to investigate the suggestion that remodeling of PEL is influenced by mechanical stress. Circumferential and proximodistal stress distribution and relative displacement in the laminar junction are assessed by finite-element analysis (FEA) of nine hoof models. Spacing, orientation, and curvature of PEL are assessed from sections through 47 other hooves and compared with the stress and displacement data. Significant correlations are found between laminar spacing and seven displacement and stress variables, supporting the link between stresses and remodeling. Differences in external hoof shape cause regional variation in stress magnitudes around the laminar junction. This finding is in accord with previous observations that laminar morphology is individually regionally variable. This work provides the first concrete link between mechanical behavior and laminar morphology.
Publication Date: 2005-03-05 PubMed ID: 15747348DOI: 10.1002/ar.a.20173Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article investigates the relationship between mechanical stress and the remodeling of the primary epidermal laminae (PEL) in a horse’s hoof. The study found a correlation between the remodeling of PEL and certain stress and displacement factors through the use of finite-element analysis on hoof models.
Background
- The horse’s hoof is structurally adapted for its mechanical functions. Studying the functional design of the hoof’s internal structures is complicated by the exterior keratinous capsule.
- The laminar junction is an epidermodermal connection in the hoof that strongly binds the hoof wall to the distal phalanx.
- Primary epidermal laminae (PEL) are part of the hoof structure that project towards the inside of the wall. Their morphology varies and they undergo structural remodeling, even though they are made of keratin.
Objective
- The main goal of this research was to explore the hypothesis that the remodeling of the PEL is influenced by mechanical stress.
Methods
- Finite-element analysis (FEA) was performed on nine different hoof models. This method of analysis measures the response of objects to forces, heat, vibration, and other physical effects.
- The study measured and compared the spacing, orientation, and curvature of PEL from sections of 47 other hooves with the stress and displacement data collected.
Findings
- Significant correlations were found between laminar spacing and seven displacement and stress variables, substantiating the idea that stress and displacement are related to the remodeling of the PEL.
- How the external hoof is shaped causes regional changes in stress levels around the laminar junction, aligning with earlier observations that laminar morphology can vary regionally within an individual hoof.
Impact
- This research provides the first concrete link between the mechanical behavior of a horse’s hoof and the morphology of the laminar junction. This insight may have implications for better understanding the health, care, and performance of horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Thomason JJ, McClinchey HL, Faramarzi B, Jofriet JC.
(2005).
Mechanical behavior and quantitative morphology of the equine laminar junction.
Anat Rec A Discov Mol Cell Evol Biol, 283(2), 366-379.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.a.20173 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada. jthomaso@ovc.uoguelph.ca
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Body Patterning / physiology
- Finite Element Analysis
- Hoof and Claw / anatomy & histology
- Hoof and Claw / physiology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Horses / physiology
- Weight-Bearing / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Senderska-Płonowska M, Siwińska N, Zak-Bochenek A, Rykała M, Słowikowska M, Madej JP, Kaleta-Kuratewicz K, Niedźwiedź A. The Differences in Histoarchitecture of Hoof Lamellae between Obese and Lean Draft Horses.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jul 11;12(14).
- Chalvatzi S, Papadopoulos GA, Kroustallas F, Cernat M, Skampardonis V, Marouda C, Fotiadou V, Psychas V, Poutahidis T, Leontides L, Fortomaris P. Claw Characteristics of Culled Sows from Three Farrow-to-Finish Greek Farms. Part 2: Mechanical Indices of Hoof Horn and Their Associations with Length Measurements and Lesion Scores.. Vet Sci 2021 Aug 30;8(9).
- Cassimeris L, Engiles JB, Galantino-Homer H. Interleukin-17A pathway target genes are upregulated in Equus caballus supporting limb laminitis.. PLoS One 2020;15(12):e0232920.
- Mitchell CF, Fugler LA, Eades SC. The management of equine acute laminitis.. Vet Med (Auckl) 2015;6:39-47.
- Panagiotopoulou O, Rankin JW, Gatesy SM, Hutchinson JR. A preliminary case study of the effect of shoe-wearing on the biomechanics of a horse's foot.. PeerJ 2016;4:e2164.
- Bourke J, Wroe S, Moreno K, McHenry C, Clausen P. Effects of gape and tooth position on bite force and skull stress in the dingo (Canis lupus dingo) using a 3-dimensional finite element approach.. PLoS One 2008 May 21;3(5):e2200.
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