MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 



1 . Anatomy is the study of the parts and organs of the animal 

 body with regard to their structure, shape, and position. 



Physiology is a description of the functions or uses of these parts. 



Anatomy embraces the study of the skeleton, the articulations, 

 the muscles, the digestive system, the respiratory system, the uro- 

 genital system, the circulatory system, the lymphatic system, the 

 nervous system, the eye, the ear, the skin. 



THE SKELETON. 



2. The skeleton is the framework of hard structures of the body 

 which supports the soft parts and vital organs. In the horse it con- 

 sists of 205 bones, all of which are held together by means of ligaments 

 and muscles in such a manner as to form a series of joints, levers, 

 and pulleys. It is divided into trunk and limbs. 



The trunk consists of the skull, spinal column, ribs, and breast bone. 

 The limbs, two anterior and two posterior, support the body and 

 furnish the levers of propulsion. 



3. Bones are classified as long, fat, short, and irregular. 



Long bones are found in the limbs, where they support the weight 

 of the body and act as levers of motion. 



Flat bones help inclose cavities containing vital and important 

 organs. In this manner the ribs and scapula protect the heart and 

 lungs. 



Short bones occur in the knee and hock and in the fetlock joints. 

 Their function is that of breaking concussion. 



Irregular bones are such as those of the spinal column and certain 

 bones of the cranium. The bones of the cranium inclose and pro- 



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