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II. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF FARM ANIMALS II. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF FARM ANIMALS
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II. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF FARM ANIMALS II. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF FARM ANIMALS
Anatomy - refer to science which deals with the form and structure of Anatomy
all organisms; means to cut apart Gross Anatomy – is based primarily on dissection of animals
(basic observation – shape, texture, location and relations of those
structures); can be ocular or microscopic
Physiology – is the study of the integrated functions of the body, and
Comparative Anatomy – is a study of the structures of various
the functions of all its parts (system, organs, tissues, cells and species of animals with particular emphasis on those characteristics
cell components), including the biophysical and niochemical that aid in classification
processes involved Embryology – study of developmental anatomy, covering the
period from conception (fertilization of the egg within the female and
birth)
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II. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF FARM ANIMALS II. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF FARM ANIMALS
Descriptive Terms Useful in the Study of Anatomy Descriptive Terms Useful in the Study of Anatomy
cranial/ superior – toward the head frontal plane – right angles to both the median plane and
ventral/ anterior – away from the backbone or toward mid- transverse planes; divides the body into dorsal (upper) and ventral
abdominal wall (lower) segments
dorsal/ posterior – toward or beyond the backbone Medial – adjective; close to or toward the median plane
caudal/ inferior - toward the tail Lateral – antonym of medial; away from the median plane
median plane – plane passing through the body craniocaudally Deep and Internal – closeness to the center of gravity or the
(head to tail); divides the body into equal right and left halves center of an extremity
transverse plane – right angles to the median plane and divides Superficial and external –proximity to the skin or surface of the
the body into cranial and caudal segments body or surface of an extremity
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Chapter One
THE ANIMAL SKIN Structure of the Skin
The skin is the outer layer of the protective covering that forms the animal
body into shape. Aside from holding the animal body into proper form and The skin is made up two basic layers with the outer layer (stratified
shape, it has several other important functions which includes: aquamous epithelium) called the epiderm/-is and the inner layer called
corium or dermis .
3. It acts as a protective layer for the muscles and other structures of the This general arrangement of two layers of the skin is found
body framework from damage and injury. With the use of fat found throughout the body, including areas of modified epidermal structures such
immediately underneath the skin, the animal is able to provide cushion
against external elements, nevertheless to a limited extent. There are as hair, horns, hooves, chestnuts, footpads and ergots (keratinized or
animals which have almost impernetrable hide like the elephants and cornified structures).
rhinoceros. 1. Two (2) layers of the epidermis are the deep growing and moist
4. It acts as a seal against infection through the protective layers of oily layers called stratum basale or germinativum (active mitotic division
secretions from both the sweat and oil glands which render the skin
waterproof, preventing the outside infection and disease germs from occurs) and a superficial hornlike layer, the stratum corneum (or scurf
penetrating into the bloodstream. which made up of dead cells).
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Structure of the Skin Secretory Glands
In entire epidermal layers there are no blood vessel, only the Glands
network of the sensory nerve endings are found to exist. Both the sweat gland and sebaceous or oil gland are found in the skin.
2. Dermis or Corium – where arteries, veins, capillaries and lymphatics of Sweat Glands or Sudoriferous Glands
the skin are concentrated; also sensory nerves to hair follicles and tactile - The sweat gland located in the corium of the skin opens to a duct found
hairs/ pili tactiles (attached with arrector pili/pilorum muscles; on the outer epidermis
contraction of these muscles causes “goose bumps”/ “aggression stance”/
- tubular skin gland
“thermoregulatory functios”); where sebaceous and sweat glands can be
found - found over the entire bodies of farm animals
- Animals vary in the number of sweat glands founds in their skin. Pigs
(3.) Hypodermis/ superficial fascia/ subcutis – connective tissue primarily
for example do not have enough sweat glands which make them poor
collagen which separates dermis from underlying structures such as bone
adjusters to environmental temperature.
and deep fascia; having layer of fat called panniculus adiposus; permits
movement of the skin without tearing - The secretion of the sweat glands is composed of salt solution, waste
materials, and water.
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Animal hair Animal hair
The amount of hair found on the skin of most animals are affected by the
changing temperature. When the temperature rises as in summer most Most hairs are equipped with muscles which make the animals in a
animals reduce their hair covering by molting and when te warm characteristics apperance when angry , frightened or feeling cold. The
temperature is followed by a cool temperature a thicker growth of new muscular mechanism found on the base of the hair stiff when the animal
hair follows after molting is poised for a fight, Chicken feathers on the neck expand and raise stiff in
Hairs are of different types and are made for a purpose. The long and a cock-fight.
coarse hair of the horse tail and mane are made for a special purpose, the Fowls especially chicken do not have the mechanism in their skin to
tail for driving away insects and the long mane for shrugging files off the make the adjust to changing environmental temperature, so that it is
neck are typical examples of a special purpose. necessary to brood young chicken for at least 30 days to ensure their
Each hair is embedded in a follicle and associated with an oil gland to healthy growth.
maintain its gloss and pliable characteristics when the animal is healthy
Chapter Two
Modified Epidermis
Hoof – is the insensitive cornified layer of epidermis covering the distal end
SKELETAL SYSTEM: THE STRUCTURE OF THE ANIMAL BODY
of the digit (animals with hooves are called ungulates; even-toed
(artiodactyla) and odd-toed (perissodactyla); black or white hooves are The framework of the body is called skeleton. It is generally made of
associated with the color of the hair near the upper margin of the hoof, black bones and cartilages. Because bones are hard materials these are
hooves are muuch tougher and stronger; softer part of the hoof refers to capable of protecting soft and delicate parts of the system, as well as, to
periople provide form to the structure or animal conformation. Some parts of
Horn – are formed over the horn process, a bony core that projects from the the skeleton are also used to absorb shock that the body may receive in
frontal bone of the skull, soft type of horn is called epikaras the process of activity.
Dew claw – essentially a miniature digit Generally, the cartilages are the soft parts of the skeletal system. The
Chestnuts/ night eye – horn-like growths on the medial sides of horses’ leg, function of which is to provide surfaces to which muscles are attrached
size may vary depending on the intensity of work of the animal to be able to move freely and efficiently.
Ergots – small projections of cornified epithelium in the center of the caudal
part of the fetlock
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Chapter Two Chapter Two
Terminology: Terminology:
Epiphysis – refers to either extremity of a long bone; closest to the Periosteum – a fibrous membrane that covers the surface of a bone,
body (proximal epiphysis) and farthest to the body (distal epiphysis) except where articular cartilage is located; responsible for the diameter
Diaphysis – is the cylindrical shaft of a long bone situated between the increase of bones and function in the healing of bone fractures
two epiphyses Endosteum – fibrous membrane that lines the marrow cavity and
Epiphyseal cartilage or disk (physis) – is a layer of hyaline cartilage osteonal (Harvesian) canals of a bone
that separates the diaphysis and epiphysis within the metaphysis of an Ligaments – connective tissue connecting bones in order to form
immature bone (only area where can bone increase in length) joints
Articular cartilage – a thin layer of hyaline cartilage that covers the Tendons-connective tissue connecting muscles to bones
articular surface of a bone
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Chapter Two
SKELETAL SYSTEM: THE STRUCTURE OF THE ANIMAL BODY The skeleton is subdivided into two major divisions—the axial and appendicular.
The axial skeleton forms the vertical, central axis of the body and includes all
Functions of Bones bones of the head, neck, chest, and back. It serves to protect the brain, spinal cord,
heart, and lungs. It also serves as the attachment site for muscles that move the head,
- providing protection, giving rigidity and form to the body, acting as neck, and back, and for muscles that act across the shoulder and hip joints to move
levers (locomotion, defense, offense, grasping, etc.), storing minerals and their corresponding limbs.
providing a site for blood formation (within the marrow cavity of long bones The axial skeleton of the adult consists of 80 bones, comprising the skull,
the vertebral column, and the thoracic cage (ribs and breastbone or
and within the spongy substance of all young bones sternum). The skull is formed by 22 bones. Also associated with the head are an
additional seven bones, including the hyoid bone (found in the upper neck) and
the ear ossicles (three small bones found in each middle ear). The vertebral column
consists of 24 bones, each called a vertebra, plus the fused vertebrae of
the sacrum and coccyx. The thoracic cage includes 12 pairs of ribs, and
the sternum, the flattened bone of the anterior chest.
http://library.open.oregonstate.edu/aandp/chapter/7-1-divisions-of-the-skeletal-system/
BONES
Bones are classified into groups such as:
The skeleton is subdivided into two major divisions—the axial and Long bones
appendicular. Flat bones
The appendicular skeleton includes all bones of the upper and Short bones
lower limbs, plus the bones of the pectoral and pelvic girdles that attach
Sesamoid bones
each limb to the axial skeleton. There are 126 bones in the appendicular
skeleton of an adult. The lower portion of the appendicular skeleton is Pneumatic bones
specialized for stability during walking or running. In contrast, the upper Irregular bones
portion of the appendicular skeleton has greater mobility and ranges of
motion, features that allow you to lift and carry objects; free appendages
http://library.open.oregonstate.edu/aandp/chapter/7-1-divisions-of-the-skeletal-system/
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BONES BONES
Bones are divided into groups such as: Bones are divided into groups such as:
Classification Description Function Examples Classification Description Function Examples
Long bones Greater in one dimension than any Act as lever Found in the extremities Flat bones Relatively thin and expanded in two Protection of vital Scapula (shoulder),
other, consists of a relatively and aid in such as pectoral limb dimensions, consist of two plates of organs (heart, lungs, pelvic bones and in
cylindrical shaft (diaphysis) and 2 support, (humerus, radius, ulna, compact substance, lamina externa pelvic viscera); some section of the
extremities called epiphyses with a locomotion metacarpals, phalanges) and lamina interna, separated by provide large areas head
metaphysis between each epiphysis and and pelvic limb (femur, spongy material called diploe for attachment of
and the diaphysis prehension tibia, fibula, metatarsals, muscle
phalanges) Sesamoid bones Resemble a sesame seed and are Change the angle of Patella (knee cap) is the
Short bones Somewhat cuboid, or approx. equal Variety of Complex joints such as the developed along the course of pull of muscles and largest sesamoid bone
in all dimensions; no marrow cavity movement carpus (knee) and tarsus tendons to reduce friction or change thus give a greater
(interior is composed of spongy (hock) the course of tendons mechanical
substance filled with marrow advantage
spaces; exterior is formed by a thin
layer of compact bones)
BONES
Bones are divided into groups such as:
Classification Description Function Examples
Pneumatic Contain air spaces or sinuses that communicate with the Frontal bones and
bones exterior maxillary bones of the
skull
Irregular bones Unpaired bones located on the Protection, support, Skull, vertebral column
median plane and include the skull muscle attachment
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Cartilages Composition of Bones
The cartilages are the softer and pliable structures of the skeleton. Young animals When a bones is dry, its composition is made up of organic or
have soft bones which are generally made of cartilages at fetal stage. However, as the animal material and inorganic or mineral material at a ratio of about 1:2.
animal becomes mature these bones harder and harder. But in a section where there The organic material is usually gelatinous, a quality which gives
is a need to maintain flexibility and free movement, the cartilages remain soft. In toughness and elasticity to the bone. If the organic material is removed,
general, the constituents of both bones and cartilages are similar. the bone form and shape remain the same, however its weight is reduced
The two genera types of cartilage are: by about onr third. At this stage the bone becomes very brittle. This
Fibro-cartilage condition occurs in old age, and usual bone injury is fracture.
Hyaline cartilage The inorganic constituency of the bone is mainly made up of
The fibro cartilage is usually the hard blue-grey and glistening material located at compounds of calcium and phosphorus which make it hard and rigid.
the ends of the bones which move against the other, such as those at the lower ends Removing these compounds does not change the shape and form of the
of the ribs and those discs between the vertebral bones bone, however, its strength and toughness are reduced making it very
The hyaline cartilages are those yellowish flexible materials found in the respiratory soft and pliable as in a diseased condition called rickets, which is usually
tract lining the trachea, bronchi, and larynx. due to malnutrition --- for lack of calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin D.
Composition of Bones
Growth of Bones
Ordinarily , a bone composition of cow is made up of the following: As stated earlier, most bones mature out of the cartilage, At birth, Most
Gelatin - 33.3% bones in the skeletal system are already complete, However, there are
section that remain cartilage. In younger animals the bone forming cells or
Calcium phosphate - 57.35% osteoblasts are more active, thus in case of injury healing is fast. In order
Calcium carbonate - 3.85% animals a fracture is longer to heal because of less active osteoblasts.
Sodium chloride - 3.45%
Manesium phosphate - 2.05% Bone growth occurs where there is abundant cartilage, and growth will
continue until the cartilage has ossified. In long bones, growth takes place
in two points, at the cartilage and at shaft. The growth at the cartilage
called epiphyseal, while that at the shaft is called diaphysis. Growth is
characterized by the increase in length and thickness.
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Structure of the Bones Bones of the skeleton
Bones typically the long bones are covered by the protective The skeletal bones are divided into four parts;
membrane called the periosteum. Both the periosteum and the bone itself
The bones of the fore limb
contain the small arteries, nerves, and veins. The proper is made up of
compact material in its outer shell while the innermost portion is made up Bones of the hind limb
of loosely arranged plates which give a spongy feature. Vertebral column, ribs and sternum
The shaft of the long bones is hollow wherein contained the delicate Skull
marrow. The hollow of the bone is called the medullary cavity.
The marrow of the young animal is reddish in color because of its
blood forming activity, but as the animal becomes older this becomes
yellowish because of its fatty tissue. In poorly nourished animal, the
marrow is jelly-like and gelatinous.
Other bones may have cavities, but these do not contain marrow.
They serve other purposes such as air chamber or sinuses.
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Vertebral Bones, Ribs and Sternum
Bones of the Hind Limb
Where the three bones of the innonminate bone fused together, there is a Another name for the vetebral column is backbone, which is made up of a number
smooth cup-like depression to receive the head of the thigh bone or femur. This of irregular bones running the entire length of the animal from the other disc with a
makes the hip joint which is the ball-and -socket joint which allows the three layer of a cartilage called intervertebral dics. Aside from keeping the body structure of
movement. It is surrounded by a strong mass of muscle which generally kept it from an animal, another very important function of the vertebral column is to house the
dislocation. The femur is a strong long bone that moves forward and downward to vertebral canal whre the spinal cord or the main nerve relay symtem is situated. Once
meet the tibia, a flat bone which is only protected by the skin. The tibia is damaged, death or paralysis follows. The cord itself is protected by the three layers
membrane called dura mete, arachnoid and the piameter.
actually the leg bone. At its lower ends the tibia is connectede to the large pulley-like
bone called astragulus, considered one of the six tarsal bones. Like te carpal bones Inside the membranes which protect the cord from jaring is a fluid called the cerebro-
of the fore limb, the main function of the tarsal bones is to absorb shock. spinal fluid.
The tarsal bones are arranged in rows; the upper row is made up of The bones of the vertebral column include the following:
astragalus, os calcis and the cuboid, while the lower row is composed of the -Cervical (neck) -Dorsal or back
scaphoid and two cuneiforms. The whole joint is actually the hock joint. The most -Coccygeal (tail) -Lumbar or loin
important tarsal bone is the os calcis which is located where are powerful achilles' -Sacral or group
tendon is attached.
The cervical vetebrae are irregular bones located in the peck. Only two of these bones The Skull
are having names. The one located at the base of the skull is called the atlas and the Generally, the skull is composed of two bones; one forming the
second bone next to it is called the axis. It is in these bones where free movement upper jaw which leads to the main skull, which is made up of strips joined
occurs.
by cartilage called sutures, the other is composed of the lower jaw which
The dorsal vertabrae are long bony sequences where pairs of ribs are attached. The
carries te lower teeth. The entire lower jaw or inferior maxilla is
ribs are flattened and curved.
connected to the rest of the skull with a hinge-like joint which allows the
The lumbar vertabrae are back bones with short processes on the top but with long
side or lateral processes. These bones are located behind the series of dorsal vertebrae. free movement as in eating and drinking.
The sacral veterbrae are different from the other vetebral bones in that these are all Inside the skull is an opening called the cranium. This opening
fused together into a single bone called sacrum. houses the brain. The cranium is further protected by a large air space at
The coccygeal vertebrae are located behind the sacrum. These bones do not have the frontal part of the skull called frontal sinus. This opening sinus is
marked procesess and getting smaller and smaller as they approach to the tail. connected to other cavities of the skull right through the sinuses of the
The numbers of ribs in typical farm animals are not unitform. Horse has 8 true ribs nose, the sperior and inferior maxilliary sinuses, and even reaching te
and 10 false ribs, cow 8 true ribs and 5 false ribs, sheep 8 true ribs and 5 false ribs, and cavities of the horns in horned animals. Its is important that these horns
pig 7 true ribs and 7 false ribs. must also be carefully cared for. A damage to a horn can be very serious or
even fatal.
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The Skull The temporal bone of the skull contains the ear cavity and inside this
opening are the four called the incus, lenticulare, malleus, and stapes.
These small bones vibrate when the sound waves strike the air drum
Skull bones are usually in pair, while others are arranged singly. Below are which is located between the external ear and the inner ear or ear cavity.
the arranged of cranial bones. The vibration of these tiny bones is sent to the brain for translation into
souds. When these tiny bones become deformed or are joint together due
to harm deafness occurs.
ethoid single
The lower section of the skull is composed of paired bones namely:
frontal paired
Lachrymal
interpariental paired Malar
occipital single Nasal bone
pariental paired Premaxilla
sphenoid single Superior maxilla
temporal paired
Inside the skull which can hardly be seen are small bones namely:
Teeth Cow Horse jaw Sheep
Pterygoid
Upper jaw
Turbinate bones
Incisors 0 6 6 0
Vomer
Canines 0 2 2 0
Most of these bones are delicate like the turbinate bones found within the
Pre-molars 6 6 2 6
nose which is shell-like
Molars 6 6 12 6
Lower jaw
The premaxillary and superiormaxillary bones are those that provide
anchor to the teeth. On these maxillary bones the teeth sockets or alveoli Incisors 8 6 6 8
are holed in. According to their functions the teeth are grouped as the Canines 0 2 2 0
cutting teeth or incisors, the dog teeth or canines, the pre- molar and the Pre-molars 6 6 2 6
molars. Both the pre-molars and molars are used fo grinding. The canines Molars 6 6 12 6
are used for tearing food into pieces in cases of carnivorous animals. Pigs
Total 32 40 44 32
have prominent teeth
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It is important to study the teeth of animals, since in most cases the age
Depending on nutrition and other factors including delay in growth due of an animal is determined by its teeth. The approximate teaching
to poor health cause by diseases and infestation most farm animals schedule of farm animals is given thus:
complete their teeth at the age of three years. A considerable delay of
about three to six months may be due to poor nutrition and unhealthful
First central pair 1 yr and 9 mos to 2 yrs and 5 mos
conditions.
Second pair 2 yrs and 3 mos to 2 yrs and 8 mos
Third pair 2 yrs and six mos to 3 yrs and 3 mos
A tooth takes about a year to develop in full size, nevertheless, its being
visible is enough to determine the approximate age of an animals. Corner pair 3 yrs to 3 yrs and 6 mos
Carabaos and cows have approximately the same pattern of teething,
except tat cows mature earlier than the carabaos. A cow reaches puberty
earlier by about six to eight months than a carabao.
Ligaments
Joints
Ligaments are band of strong fibrous tissues which are usuallly whitish Joints are existing because of the normal function of ligaments, as they
in color found at the bone joints. Their chief functions is to hold together make intact into their proper place. Some these joints are movable,
bones firmly to keep the skeletal framework intact in normal balance. immovable and others are fixed. In movable joints at the of the bones a
Ligaments are usually flexible and pliable but not elastic. They can easily be smooth cartilage is formed which is slippery to reduce friction in the
torn when the joint is wrenched, nevertheless, the ligamentum nuchae the process of movements. Example of this joints is the one located at the
largest ligament in the body structure which holds the skull in its proper limbs. Joints with limited movements are those found at the vertebrae in
balance to the dorsal vertebrae is one among the few elastic type. the backbone. Joints found on the skull as represented by the fissure of soft
cartilage is an example of a fixed joint.
Intracapsular (intra-articular) – found within joints and are
surrounded by the joint capsule, e.g. cruciate ligaments of the stifle and
ligaments that hold adjacent carpal and tarsal bones together Around each joints is a synovial membrane which seals the joint like a
capsule to protect from infections. This membrane give out a fluid which is
Extracapsular (periarticular) – are outside the joint capsule, e.g. oil-like responsible for the three movement of movable joints. The
collateral, dorsal, palmar and annular ligaments secretion is called synovianism can infct the joint as it becomes swollen as
in the case of arthritis.
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Classification of Joints Classification of Joints
Based on their structure and the material that unites them: Based on function of the joints (possible movement):
1. Fibrous Joints - immovable or synartroses 1. Ginglymus (hinge) joints
2. Cartilaginous Joints - slightly movable or amphiarthroses; can 2. arthrodial (plane) joints
also be immovable 3. trochoid (pivot) joints
3. Synovial (Diarthrodial) Joints – incl. freely movable or 4. Spheroid (enarthrodial or ball-and-socket) joints
diarthroses/ synovial 5. condylar (condyloid) joints
6. Ellipsoid joints
7. saddle joints
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3. Synovial (Diarthrodial) Joints Movements of Joints
Synovial joints have articular surfaces, articular cartilages, Following movements of the synovial (true) joints:
articular cavity, joint capsule and ligaments Flexion
articular surfaces - specialized layers of compact bone on the Extension
surfaces that articulate with other bones Hyperextension
articular cartilages – layer of hyaline cartilage covering the Rotation
articular surface
Adduction and abduction
articular cavity - a potential space between adjacent bones and
is surrounded by the joint capsule Circumduction
Joint capsule – consists of 2 layer, the syn0vial membrane which pronation and supination
secretes synovial fluid (joint oil) and plicae synovales
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2. Smooth Muscle (involuntary, visceral, unstriated) 2. Smooth Muscle (involuntary, visceral, unstriated)
The fibers of the involuntary muscles are shorter and fatter than
The involuntary muscles are under the control of the automatic that of the voluntary muscles. They are usually smooth and do not show
nervous system, are capable of the spontenous rhythmic contraction and striation or striping and are bound together by cementing tissues and not
relaxation. The heart muscle, the muscles of the stomach and intestines by tendon bundles as in voluntary muscles. Its central nerve is composed
are examples of the involuntary muscles. The spontenous rhythmic of plexus located in the middle mass of involuntary muscle. This plexus
contraction and relaxation of these muscles make the blood circulating acts as a tiny brain which gives the involuntary muscle a certain degree of
and moving along the blood stream. The movement of food in the independent action. The action is slow and sluggish as compared to that
intestinal tract is accomplished as the involuntary muscle functions. of the voluntary muscle, but it is powerful and can last to cosiderable
extent with endurance. Example is the eduring and reliable power of the
muscles of the uterus which can expand up to twenty times its original
size and can contract so powerfully at birth to cause the delivery of the
fetus and to return to its normal size.
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The Organization of Muscular Fibers The Organization of Muscular Fibers
On the surface of the skin smooth muscles are also found. They are arranged The muscle fibers are held intact by a connective tissue to form a
obliquely from the skin to the layer where the hairs are attached. They cause compact mass called muscle belly. Most muscles are fleshy from end to end
erection of the hair in the animals and feathers in birds when excited as in a but others have tendon at none or both ends. An attachement which is
cock-fight and coserve body heat by trapping a thicker layer of air. In blood attached to a movable joint is called insertion, but in some cases either the
vessels specialized smooth muscles are found even in small arteries which origin or the insertion may serve as a fixed joint, however the origin in
regulate the blood presure by controlling the opening of the lumen or bore of the
considered the head of the muscle, which is sometimes divided into two,
arterial tube. Relaxation of these smooth muscles in blood vessels will cause
three, or four parts.
fainting due to reduction in the blood presure.
Striated or voluntary muscle fibers are enclosed in a delicate but strong casing
The strength of the muscle whose fibers extend all the way to another
of fibrous tissue which is extended and attached to the bone. And where the from bone to bone is propotional to the number of the fibers that muscle
muscle fibers are attached to the bone at both ends it follows that a joint mus cointains. The shortening of the muscle is proportional to the length of its
intervene so that shortening can occur, and if the strands of fibers at the ends fibers and a muscle is capable of shortening from one half to one third of
are long, these are bound together ta form a compact bundle called a tendon. its resting length.
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How the Muscle Works How the Muscle Works
If the muscle is not allowed to relax due to continous stimulation, it When the animal is intended for meat, it is important that before the
becomes tired due to the accumulation of the lactid acid as waste slaughter, the animal should be rested. The preserving quality of meat is slow
products. In order to make the muscle recuperate this waste material when the waste materials are not removed at the time of slaughter. Resting the
must be removed and in place oxygen must be readily supplied. Under animal with proper nutrition improves the quality of meat.
light exertion the balance of lactic acid and oxygen can go on without the In the case of games hunted to death and domestic animals rough handled in a
muscle's getting tired. But under strenuous activity the condition is long journey from the ranch to the slaughter house the preserving quality of
different, the protein substance myosin found in the muscle fibers absorbs their meat is very poor. Long exhausting travel from the farm to the market
should be avoided in the case of meat animals.
oxygen and store this as reserve, with this the muscle is enabled to work
Muscle are not responsive to stimulus after death. They are no longer flexible.
for a long time as in the case of a hard working athlete. But under this
This condition is called rigor mortis. However, this condition varies with time,
condition the muscle builds up an oxygen dept, which has to be repaid ,
condition and type of muscles. The involuntary muscle for example does not
and to repay this, the animal has to stop working and breath very hard. In
instantly stop moving immediately after death. There is that continous wave-
a well-trained working animal the oxygen dept can be very large, but in like action or peristalsis in the case of the gut and other intestinal organs until
abnormal or unfit condition, the extent of oxygen dept is limited. the actual muscle fibers are killed through the loss of blood.
References:
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