Sheep skeleton: limb anatomy and movement mechanics, how many ribs

Knowledge of the peculiarities of the sheep skeleton allows owners to control the ongoing changes in the animal's body, depending on the conditions of keeping and feeding. Sheep have an anatomical structure partially similar to other mammals, but they also have their own characteristics, in particular, regarding the mechanics of movement, which are associated with anthropogenic influences.

Axial skeleton

Sheep anatomy has signs of several kinds. They differ from each other depending on age, sex and breed. The skeleton of an animal is divided into two parts:

1. Passive - this includes tendons, bones and cartilage. This part is designed to fix the body of the sheep in a certain position.
2. Active - this part consists of muscles. It provides the ability of the animal to move, protects the internal organs from mechanical damage.

The anatomical structure of the head is the brain and facial parts. Due to the cranial bones, a cavity is formed in which the brain is located. Thanks to the skull, he is well protected. The cavity also contains the organs of smell, touch, and vision. The brain is the center of concentration of the main systems in the body. Here are the regulatory parts of the nervous system, which is built on innate and acquired reflexes.

The upper jaw is attached to the cranium, the lower jaw is connected by the jaw joint, it is movable. Both jaws form the oral apparatus, which includes muscles, tongue, cheeks and teeth.

Sheep have one peculiarity! The upper jaw has only 12 molars.

The backbone is the backbone of the skeleton. It consists of:

• 6 lumbar vertebrae;
• 7 cervical;
• 13 infants.

5 false and 8 true ribs are attached to the vertebrae. False are attached to the sternum with costal cartilaginous arches. And the true ribs are directly directly connected to the sternum. The vertebrae, ribs and sternum together form the ribcage. It contains the heart and lungs. The shape of the chest depends on the length and curvature of the ribs.

Lamb limb anatomy and motion mechanics diagram

The anatomy of the limbs of sheep has its own characteristics, which were formed due to the movement of the animal on its hooves. Front legs consist of:

• humerus;
• shoulder blades;
• forearm bones;
• fingers;
• wrists.

The hind limb girdle consists of the bones of the metatarsus and tarsus, femur and tibia. It attaches at the hip joint.

Important! Pet owners need to provide them with the right diet, enriched with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. This provides strength to the skeleton.

Movement is provided through the interaction of articular, ligamentous and muscular apparatus. Muscles are fibers that are covered by a connective sheath. They are attached to bones by tendons.If the animal is fed a lot, it will form fat deposits between the muscles.

Are there any differences in the skeleton of a sheep and a ram

The general structure of a sheep and a ram is the same. There are differences only in the reproductive system, the size of the bones and the presence of horns. Sheep are larger and more powerful than sheep, they have a more developed chest. In addition, in rams, horns are added to the structure of the skeleton, which sheep do not have.

Knowing the features of the sheep's skeleton, pet owners can control the features of their development, timely detect possible negative changes associated with improper nutrition or maintenance.

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