The Spine
The Spine

- A framework of support
- Attachment for many muscles
- Protection of the spinal cord
- Protection of internal organs
An animal’s spine consists of bones called vertebrae. A horse’s spine is made up of 7 cervical vertebrae, 18 thoracic vertebrae (that connect with the ribs), 6 lumbal vertebrae, 5 sacral vertebrae (which are fused, creating the sacrum) and 16 to 18 coccygeal vertebrae. Where one vertebra connects with another it is called a joint (there are approximately 200 joints in a horse’s spine). Joints are held together by a vast number of ligaments.

The spinal cord runs through the vertebral canal in the centre of the vertebrae. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord and leave the spinal canal in pairs. These nerve branches (called spinal nerves) leave the spinal canal through small spaces formed by adjacent vertebra (called Intervertebral Foramen – IVF). Nerves transfer information between the brain, spinal cord, organs, muscles and other parts of the body. As the central nervous system monitors and controls all organ and tissue function, the transmission of information to and from it must flow freely to allow proper function.
International Veterinary Chiropractic Association e.V.
Bahrenfelder Strasse 201a
22765 Hamburg, Germany
Postal address:
IVCA
Postfach 31 01 40
27537 Bremerhaven, Germany
Phone: 0049 151 646 88 741 (Germany)
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