The Musculoskeletal System

The musculoskeletal system consists of the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints of the head, vertebral column and limbs, together with the associated muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. Its primary functions is to support the body, provide a system of levers for locomotion and in some instances to provide protection to certain vital structures, e.g., the brain, eyes, and viscera

A joint occurs where two or more bones meet. There are different types of joints, the most important being the synovial joint, in which the ends of the bones are covered with a layer of smooth articular cartilage and the joint surfaces are lubricated by an oily synovial fluid produced by the joint capsule.

A horse does not have muscles below the knee (front leg) or hock (rear leg). In that area, the major tendons and ligaments are the suspensory ligament, superficial and deep flexor tendons, and superior and inferior check ligaments. These structures are particularly prone to injury when the muscles are fatigued, which occurs at the end of a workout or competition.