COMPARATIVE

ANATOMY OF SHEEP
PRESENTER: AJAGBE AYOOLA SOLOMON
ANA/19/2192
INTRODUCTION

Sheep, scientifically known as ovis aris, are herbivorous mammals belonging to the
BOVIDAE family.
Which they vary in size, color, and coat type depending on the breed.
They typically have thick wolly coat ,although some breed have hair instead of wool.
They found worldwide, primarily in agricultural regions where they are raised for various
purposes.
COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF SHEEP
TO HUMAN
o Overall , there are many similarities in the anatomy between humans and sheep and
difference due to evolutionary paths and adaptations to different lifestyles
o Comparative overview:
• Skeletal system
• Muscular system
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• Nervous system
• Reproductive system
• Integumentary system
Skeletal system

 Sheep and humans both have a similar overall skeletal structure, including a skull,
vertebral column, rib cage, and limb bones.
 However, there are differences in specific bones and their proportions. For example, sheep
have elongated skulls with larger eye sockets compared to humans. The limb bones of
sheep are adapted for quadrupedal locomotion, with sturdy bones supporting their body
weight and movement.
 Sheep have specialized adaptations in their limb bones for weight-bearing and agility,
particularly in the legs and hooves
Muscular system

 Both sheep and humans have muscles responsible for movement, posture, and other
functions.
 Sheep have well-developed muscles in their neck and shoulders to support their heavy
heads and provide power for grazing and other activities.
 Humans generally have more developed hand and facial muscles compared to sheep,
reflecting differences in manual dexterity and facial expression.
Respiratory system

 Sheep and humans both have a respiratory system consisting of lungs, bronchi, and trachea
for breathing.
 However, there are differences in respiratory physiology. Sheep are obligate nasal
breathers, meaning they primarily breathe through their nostrils, while humans can breathe
through their nose or mouth.
 Sheep lack a diaphragm and rely more on their intercostal muscles for breathing. Their
respiratory rate and lung capacity are also different from humans.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

 One of the most significant differences between sheep and humans is in the digestive
system.
 Sheep are ruminants, meaning they have a complex four-chambered stomach (rumen,
reticulum, omasum, and abomasum) adapted for fermenting plant material. This allows
them to extract nutrients from cellulose-rich diets, such as grass and hay.
 In contrast, humans have a simpler, single-chambered stomach (monogastric) adapted for
digesting a wide range of foods, including meat, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
NERVOUS SYSTEM

 Sheep and humans both have a central nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal
cord, as well as a peripheral nervous system.
 While the basic structure of the nervous system is similar, there are differences in brain
size and organization. Sheep have well-developed sensory organs, particularly for hearing
and smell, which are important for detecting predators and other environmental cues.
 Humans have a larger and more complex cerebral cortex compared to sheep, reflecting
differences in cognitive abilities and behaviors.
NERVOUS SYSTEM

 Sheep and humans both have reproductive organs for sexual reproduction.
 However, there are differences in reproductive anatomy and physiology. Sheep have a
uterus with two separate horns, allowing for the gestation of multiple offspring
simultaneously. They also have a different estrous cycle compared to humans, with
seasonal breeding patterns.
 Humans have a single uterus and menstrual cycle, with different reproductive strategies
and behaviors compared to sheep.
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

 Both sheep and humans have skin, hair, and nails (hooves in the case of sheep).
 Sheep are known for their thick woolly coats, which provide insulation and protection
from the elements. Their wool is composed of a complex structure of fibers that trap air
and regulate body temperature.
 Humans have much finer hair covering their bodies, with variations in color and texture.
While humans lack wool, they have developed various forms of clothing and shelter for
protection against environmental conditions.
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