6,273
edits
Changes
→Cervical Region
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Thoracic Vertebrae==
Thoracic vertebrae articulate with the ribs. They are distinguished by short bodies with flattened extremities, costal facets, short transverse processes and prominent spinous processes. They reach a maximum height, a few vertebrae behind the cervicothoracic junction (constituting the '''withers''' of the horse) and then decline. The orientation of spinous processes shifts from caudo- to craniodorsal.
==Lumbar Vertebrae==
The lumbar vertebrae are longer and more uniform in shape than the thoracic vertebrae. They are also shorter in height, with long, flattened transverse processes that project laterally.
==Sacral Vertebrae==
The '''sacrum''' is a single bone formed by the fusion of several vertebrae that articulates with the pelvic girdle. It allows the thrust of the hindlimbs to be transmitted to the trunk. The sacrum narrows caudally and is curved to present a concave surface to the pelvic cavity.
==Caudal Vertebrae==
The number of caudal vertebrae varies greatly even within species. There is a progressive simplification of their form.
=Forelimb=
=Forelimb=