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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anat / The role of the extrinsic thoracic limb muscles in equine lo...
Journal of anatomy2004; 205(6); 479-490; doi: 10.1111/j.0021-8782.2004.00353.x

The role of the extrinsic thoracic limb muscles in equine locomotion.

Abstract: Muscles have two major roles in locomotion: to generate force and to absorb/generate power (do work). Economical force generation is achieved by short-fibred pennate muscle while the maximum power output of a muscle is architecture independent. In this study we tested the hypothesis that there is an anatomical and structural separation between the force-generating anti-gravity muscles and the propulsive (limb/trunk moving) muscles of the equine forelimb. Muscle mass and fascicle length measurements were made on the thoracic limb extrinsic muscles of six fresh horse cadavers. Physiological cross-sectional area and maximum isometric force were then estimated. Maximum power was estimated from muscle volume and published contraction velocity data. The majority of extrinsic forelimb muscles were large with long fascicles arranged in parallel to the long axis of the muscle. Muscles arranged in this way are optimised for doing work. The architecture of serratus ventralis thoracis (SVT) was unique. It had short (48 +/- 17 mm) fascicles, arranged at about 45 degrees to the long axis of the muscle, which would suggest a force-generating, anti-gravity role. The muscle belly of SVT was sandwiched between two broad, thick sheets of aponeurosis. Hence, SVT could make a significant contribution to the overall elastic properties of the thoracic limb.
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Publication Date: 2004-12-22 PubMed ID: 15610395PubMed Central: PMC1571391DOI: 10.1111/j.0021-8782.2004.00353.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.

The research article examines the structural composition and function of the equine thoracic limb muscles and how they contribute to the locomotion of horses. The authors argue that there is a divide between the gravity counteracting muscles and those muscles responsible for forward propulsion.

Muscle Studies in Equine Locomotion

  • The research is set on exploring the distinct roles of muscles during locomotion, which are primarily to generate force and to absorb or create power. An economical generation of force is achieved by what is referred to as short-fibred pennate muscle, while the maximum output power of a muscle isn’t dependent on its architecture.
  • The hypothesis tested in the study proposes that there is anatomical and structural separation between the muscles that generate force against gravity and those that facilitate propulsion of the equine forelimb.

Methods Employed

  • Measurements of muscle mass and fascicle length were taken from the extrinsic muscles of the thoracic limb of six fresh horse cadavers as part of the research method. The physiological cross-sectional area and maximum isometric force were then estimated from these measurements.
  • The amount of power each muscle could generate at its maximum was estimated using both muscle volume and data around contraction velocity that was previously published.

Findings

  • The majority of the forelimb’s extrinsic muscles were large and followed along the muscle’s length, indicating these muscles are optimized for work.
  • A specific muscle, known as the serratus ventralis thoracis (SVT), had a unique structure. The architecture of SVT consisted of short fascicles (48 +/- 17 mm) oriented at about 45 degrees to the central axis of the muscle, suggesting a force-generating, gravity-resisting function.
  • The SVT muscle was found to be sandwiched between two broad and thick sheets of aponeurosis, a type of connective tissue. As such, the SVT could have a notable impact on the overall elastic properties of the thoracic limb.

Cite This Article

APA
Payne RC, Veenman P, Wilson AM. (2004). The role of the extrinsic thoracic limb muscles in equine locomotion. J Anat, 205(6), 479-490. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0021-8782.2004.00353.x

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 0021-8782
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 205
Issue: 6
Pages: 479-490

Researcher Affiliations

Payne, R C
  • Structure and Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK. rpayne@rvc.ac.uk
Veenman, P
    Wilson, A M

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Biomechanical Phenomena
      • Horses / anatomy & histology
      • Horses / physiology
      • Locomotion / physiology
      • Muscle Contraction / physiology
      • Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology
      • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
      • Thorax

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