STRUCTURES OF THE BODY. 



CHAPTER II. 



STRUCTURES OF THE BODY. 



Bones — Cartilage — Muscles and Tendons — Ligaments — Connective Tissue 

 — The Nervous System. 



The frame-work of the body consists of the skeleton {see 

 Fig, 3), which is composed of a large number of connected 

 bones that are moved by muscles. In considering the 

 o-eneral conformation of the horse with respect to the purpose 

 for which he may be suitable, we should, generally, regard 

 difference of length in his various parts, as those of muscles, 

 rather than of bones ; for the former are the producers of all 

 movements of progression, the latter aiding only in the 

 application of the force exerted. 



Bones. — The chief dtUies of bones in the act of pro- 

 gression are — (i) to bear weight ; (2) to resist the effects of 

 concussion ; and (3) to act as levers. Capability for per- 

 forming (i) and (2) is dependent on conditions of texture 

 ("quality"), size ("substance"), and arrangement. 



Quality and substance of bone. — Whether the animal be 

 intended to carry heavy burdens, or to gallop over hard 

 ground, it is always a matter of the greatest importance 

 that his bones, especially those below his knees and hocks, 



