Sheep skeletal components, limb anatomy and mechanics of movements
Knowledge of the characteristics of the skeleton of a sheep allows owners to control the changes occurring in the animal's body, depending on the conditions of keeping and feeding. In sheep, the anatomical structure is partially similar to other mammals, but it also has its own characteristics, in particular, concerning the mechanics of movement, which are associated with anthropogenic influences.
Axial skeleton
Sheep anatomy has features of several species. They differ from each other depending on age, sex and breed. The skeleton of an animal is divided into two parts:
- Passive - This includes tendons, bones and cartilage. This part is designed to fix the sheep's body in a certain position.
- Active - this part consists of muscles. It allows 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, it is reliably protected. The cavity also contains the organs of smell, touch, 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 rams have one peculiarity! There are only 12 molars on the upper jaw.
The backbone is the basis of the skeleton. It consists of:
- 6 lumbar vertebrae;
- 7 neck;
- 13 infants.
5 false and 8 true ribs are attached to the vertebrae. The false ones are attached to the sternum using costal cartilaginous arches. And the true ribs are directly connected to the sternum. The vertebrae, ribs, and sternum form together the ribcage. It contains the heart and lungs. The shape of the chest depends on the length and curvature of the ribs.
Anatomy of a ram limb and a diagram of the mechanics of movement
The anatomy of the limbs of rams has its own characteristics, which were formed due to the movement of the animal on the hooves. The front legs consist of:
- humerus;
- shoulder blades;
- forearm bones;
- fingers;
- wrists.
The belt of the hind limbs consists of the bones of the metatarsus and tarsus, femurs and tibia. It is attached with the hip joint.
Important! Pet owners need to provide them with the right diet, enriched with all essential vitamins and minerals. This ensures the strength of the skeleton.
Movement is provided through the interaction of the articular, ligamentous and muscular apparatus. Muscles are fibers that are covered with a connective membrane. They are attached to bones by tendons. If the animal is fed a lot, fat deposits form between the muscles.
Are there any differences between the skeleton of a sheep and a ram
The general structure of a sheep and a ram is the same. Differences are only in the reproductive system, the size of the bones and the presence of horns. Rams are larger and more powerful than sheep in size, they have a more developed chest. In addition, in rams, horns are added to the structure of the skeleton, which sheep do not.
Knowing the characteristics of the skeleton of a sheep, pet owners can control the peculiarities of their development, timely detect possible negative changes associated with improper nutrition or maintenance.
