THE ANATOMY OF THE HORSE. 17 



groups, one above the spinal column and the other below. The 

 muscles above the spine assist the animal in running, jumping and 

 rearing-. The muscles below the spine are sometimes called the 

 lumbar, or psose, situated below the lumbar bones, or the bones 

 of the small of the back. Below these muscles are the kidneys. 

 The action of these muscles is to assist the animal in getting up. 

 These muscles are important, for when paralyzed the horse cannot 

 use his hindquarters in trying to get up. 



The Gluteal Muscles, or the muscles of the hip, are very large, 

 filling in around the hip bones. The action of these is much the 

 same as those of the back, as they assist in jumpx^^, running, 

 rearing, and in raising the hind leg. 



The Abdominal Muscles, or belly muscles, are four large, flat 

 muscles on each side of the abdomen, or belly. The outer edge 

 of these muscles are attached to the outer ends of the false ribs, 

 also to the processes of the lumbar bones and the outer angles ot 

 the hip bones. They unite below to what is called the linea alba, 

 which is a hard, white, fibrous cord, and is attached in front to 

 the back part of the breast-bone, passing back in the centre of 

 the belly, and is attached to the front of the pubic bones, or what 

 is called the lower bones of the hip cavity. About ten inches from 

 where it is attached here, passing forward, we find a small slit, or 

 hole, which is called the navel, or umbilical opening, where the 

 naval vessels pass in and out during the foetus life, or before the 

 colt is foaled. This is a point of importance to note, for some- 

 times at the time of birth this opening does not close and allows 

 the bowels to come down and form what is known as navel, or 

 umbilical rupture. 



Before finishmg the description of this group of muscles we 

 will mention a very large, important ligament which is found 

 spread all over the abdomen, or belly, of the horse. It is of a 

 yellowish color and about one-eighth of an inch thick, attached in 

 front to the back of the breast bone and to the hip bones behind. 

 This is the first structure seen after removing the skin from the 

 belly. This ligament gives great support to the organs contained 

 in the abdominal cavity. The action, or uses, of the abdominal 

 muscles are to support the organs contained in the abdominal cavity,, 

 to flex the back-bone and assist in the passing of the faeces, or 

 manure. In the mare these muscles assist her in foaling, or 

 parturition. 



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