How Does a Horse's Skeleton Function?

A horse's body and skeleton function much like a human's; each piece works in concert to generate movement. The combination of muscle, cardiovascular system, flesh, nervous system, cells, ligaments, tendons and skeleton works together to create the beast of beauty modern humans call the horse.
    • A horse's skeleton allows the horse to run, twist and turn at high speeds.

    Parts

    • According to Equiworld.net, two groups of bones---axial (skull, spine, ribcage and pelvis) and appendicular (bones in the limbs)---form the skeleton of a horse.

    Bones

    • Modern horses possess 205 bones with 20 bones in each limb. The axial skeleton consists of 125 bones, including 51 to 56 vertebrae.

    Joints

    • Locations where a minimum of two bones meet form joints, which make possible the bending of the skeleton. Joints absorb the shock of limbs meeting the ground and bear the weight of a horse's heavy 1,000- to 1500-lb. body.

    Benefits of Bones

    • Bones provide structure. Bone marrow---found inside of bones---produces red blood cells, and bones store minerals such as calcium.

    Function

    • As a prey animal, a horse needs to maintain high speeds for an extended length of time in order to flee predators. A horse's skeleton protects vital organs and provides a base to which all the ligaments, tendons and muscles adhere, thereby allowing movement and securing the horse's survival.