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Horn - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 11:33, 5 August 2008
, 11:33, 5 August 2008→Structure and Function
==Structure and Function==
==Structure and Function==
Horns have a central, conical bony core or '''corunal process''' that grows out from the [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Frontal Bone|frontal bone]] of the skull. After 6 months of age, the bone becomes hollow and the space within it is continuous with the [[Paranasal sinuses - Anatomy & Physiology|frontal sinuses]]. The surface of the bone is ridged and porous and is covered with papillated [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology#dermis|dermis]] that is continuous with the periosteum and [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology#epidermis|epidermis]] which keratinises and forms the protective covering of the horn.
Horns have a central, conical bony core or '''corunal process''' that grows out from the [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Frontal Bone|frontal bone]] of the skull. After 6 months of age, the bone becomes hollow and the space within it is continuous with the [[Paranasal sinuses - Anatomy & Physiology|frontal sinuses]]. The surface of the bone is ridged and porous and is covered with papillated [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology#dermis|dermis]] that is continuous with the periosteum and [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology#epidermis|epidermis]] which keratinises and forms the protective covering of the horn. The substance of the horn is similar to that of the [[Hoof - Anatomy & Physiology|hoof]] and is a mixture of tubules and intertubular horn. The new horn produced at the base is soft and often transparent and resembles the [[Hoof - Anatomy & Physiology|periople]] of the hoof, giving the horn a glossy appearance.
[[image: Horns.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Horns are most commonly observed in Highland cattle, as pictured here]]
In the neonate, the bone portion is very small, with a thin dermal and epidermal covering. Removal of this covering will prevent the horn from growing and thus remove the requirement for disbudding later in life.
In the neonate, the bone portion is very small, with a thin dermal and epidermal covering. Removal of this covering will prevent the horn from growing and thus remove the requirement for disbudding later in life.