Equine systems Objective 3.01

Circulatory System The circulatory system distributes blood throughout the body to nourish each cell with food substance and oxygen while removing waste products. The parts of the circulatory system include the: Heart – A muscular organ of about 7 or 8 pounds in ordinary sized equine that is the main pump of the circulatory system that creates blood flow. Arteries – Vessels with rather thick elastic walls that carry blood from the heart to the tissues of the body. Veins – Vessels that carry blood from the tissues back to the heart.

Circulatory System Capillaries connect the arteries carrying blood to the cells and the veins carrying blood away from the cells. It is through the walls of the capillaries that the exchange of food and oxygen for waste products takes place. Capillaries are microscopic is size.

Circulatory System Blood is the red alkaline fluid tissue that is the regulator of the body. It is composed of blood plasma and red and white blood cells White blood cells are the active agents in fighting disease germs in the body. Red blood cells originate in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen, and carry oxygen from the lungs and carbon dioxide from the tissues.

Circulatory System Lymph is the fluid that assists in carrying food from the digestive tract to the tissues and waste products back to the bloodstream. Lymph vessels are ducts that transport lymph and lymph nodes, or lymphatics, are gland-like bodies found in the lymphatic vessels that act as filters The vessels converge to form one large duct that lies parallel to the aorta, the main artery from the heart, and empties into one of the large veins near the heart.

Assignment Watch the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2NH1r0lyDs Draw a picture of the horse’s heart – be sure to label different components and list what they do.

Nervous System

Nervous System The nervous system is a complex system that uses electrical-chemical changes to send impulses to and from the brain or spinal cord, nerve fibers, and sensory receptors. The nervous system is the communication system of the body made up of the brain, spinal cord, ganglia (secondary nerve centers along the spinal cord), and nerves The nervous system has two main portions: The autonomic or automatic nervous system is directed by the brain stem to control respiration, digestion, and major organs like the heart automatically. The central nervous system is directed by the brain to control the conscious or voluntary actions of the body like movement.

Nervous System

Nervous System Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QDeskJRbQ4 Your assignment – research a neurological disease that effects horses. Create a PowerPoint (3-5 slides) that explains: Name of the disease What causes the disease How it effects the horse Are there any treatments/prevention available How can you prevent it