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[[image: Plantar hoof aspect.jpg|thumb|175px|left|A view of the solar surface of an equine hoof. The wall has been removed on the right to show the underlying dermis. ©Rachael Wallace2008]]
[[image: Plantar hoof aspect.jpg|thumb|175px|left|A view of the solar surface of an equine hoof. The wall has been removed on the right to show the underlying dermis. ©Rachael Wallace2008]]
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
The general anatomy of the hoof can be found here: [[:Category:Anatomy & Physiology|Equine Hoof]]. The following section will focus on the equine hoof.
The general anatomy of the hoof can be found here: [[Hoof - Anatomy & Physiology|Equine Hoof]]. The following section will focus on the equine hoof.
The hooves in newborn foals are bilaterally symmetrical. Over a period of just a few months, forces exerted on the hoof during locomotion cause a visible difference between the right and left, as well as front and hind hooves. Thus, isolated specimens of the equine feet can be distinguished as follows:
* Front vs hind
**Front: The angle between the ''toe'' and the ground is approximately 45 degrees. The sole is circular in shape.
**Hind: The angle between the ''toe'' and the ground is 50-55 degrees. The sole is oval in shape.
* Right vs left
** Quarters (lateral and medial walls) are steeper on the medial side of the hoof.
==Topographical Anatomy==
==Topographical Anatomy==