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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anat / The role of the extrinsic thoracic limb muscles in equine lo...
Journal of anatomy2005; 206(2); 193-204; doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2005.00353.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: 2005-02-26 PubMed ID: 15730484PubMed Central: PMC1571467DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2005.00353.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 paper studies the role of extrinsic thoracic limb muscles in horse locomotion. Its key finding is an anatomical and structural separation between the force-generating muscles and the moving muscles in the horse’s foreleg.

Research Hypothesis and Method

  • The researchers hypothesized that there is an anatomical and structural difference between two types of muscles – anti-gravity muscles which generate force and propulsive muscles which facilitate limb/trunk movement.
  • To test this hypothesis, the team examined the extrinsic muscles of the thoracic limb (foreleg) in six horse cadavers.
  • They measured muscle mass and fascicle length. Physiological cross-sectional area and maximum isometric force were estimated.
  • The team also estimated maximum power using muscle volume and available contraction velocity data.

Findings and Interpretations

  • The majority of extrinsic forelimb muscles were found to be large with long fascicles arranged parallel to the muscle’s long axis. According to the researchers, this arrangement is optimal for performing work.
  • The muscle architecture of Serratus Ventralis Thoracis (SVT) was found to be unique. It had short fascicles arranged at about 45 degrees to the long axis of the muscle, suggesting a force-generating, anti-gravity role.
  • The muscle belly of SVT was sandwiched between two broad, thick sheets of aponeurosis (a type of tissue). Therefore, this arrangement allows SVT to contribute significantly to the overall elastic properties of the thoracic limb.
  • Thus, the findings support the hypothesis of an anatomical and structural separation between force-generating anti-gravity muscles and the propulsive muscles in horse forelimb.

Implication of the study

  • The findings have implications for understanding horse locomotion and potentially designing better training or rehabilitation protocols for equine athletes.
  • Further understanding of the distinct roles of different muscles can aid in preventing and treating injuries related to locomotion in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Payne RC, Veenman P, Wilson AM. (2005). The role of the extrinsic thoracic limb muscles in equine locomotion. J Anat, 206(2), 193-204. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7580.2005.00353.x

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 0021-8782
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 206
Issue: 2
Pages: 193-204

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 / physiology
      • Thorax

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