SRJC Course Outlines

4/1/2025 2:20:49 AMEQSC 60 Course Outline as of Fall 2025

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  EQSC 60Title:  EQUINE ANATOMY/PHYS  
Full Title:  Equine Anatomy and Physiology
Last Reviewed:2/24/2025

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum3.00Lecture Scheduled3.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled52.50
Minimum3.00Lab Scheduled06 min.Lab Scheduled0
 Contact DHR0 Contact DHR0
 Contact Total3.00 Contact Total52.50
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  EQSCI 60

Catalog Description:
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In this course, students will evaluate the gross anatomy and physiology of the horse.  How anatomy and physiology affect the equine athlete is emphasized. Students will also evaluate how anatomy and physiology affects management of the horse.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:


Recommended Preparation:

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
In this course, students will evaluate the gross anatomy and physiology of the horse. How anatomy and physiology affect the equine athlete is emphasized. Students will also evaluate how anatomy and physiology affects management of the horse.
(Grade or P/NP)

Prerequisites:
Recommended:
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:Effective:Inactive:
 Area:
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Spring 2011Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:Effective:Inactive:
 
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable



COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1. Analyze the structure and function of the horse's body as it relates to management of the horse.
2. Relate the physiological functions to the anatomical structures.
3. Explain the biomechanics of the horse.
 

Objectives: Untitled document
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
 
1. Explain the anatomy and physiology of the Equine skeletal system.
2. Evaluate the anatomy and physiology of the Equine muscular system.
3. Examine the anatomy and physiology of the Equine cardiovascular system.
4. Summarize the anatomy and physiology of the Equine respiratory system.
5. Appraise the anatomy and physiology of the Equine digestive system.
6. Evaluate the anatomy and physiology of the Equine urinary system.
7. Explain the anatomy and physiology of the Equine reproductive system.
8. Explain the anatomy and physiology of the Equine endocrine system.
9. Identify the anatomy and physiology of the Equine nervous system.
10. Explain the anatomy and physiology of the Equine immune system.
11. Explain the anatomy and physiology of the Equineintegumentary system.

Topics and Scope
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I. Introduction
    A. Word structure, roots, prefixes, suffixes, and combinations
    B. Body planes and cavities and application of directional terms
    C. Overview of body structure and organization defined in terms of anatomy and physiology of the tissues, organs, and organ systems
    D. Anatomy and physiology of the cell
II. Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Skeletal system
     A. Bone topographical anatomy
     B. Bone physiology
     C. Joint structure
     D. Soft tissues in support of the equine skeletal system
     E. Specific bone, ligament names and locations
III. Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Muscular System
     A. Types of muscles, microscopic structure
     B. Neuromuscular junctions of equine skeletal muscles
     C. Supportive structures of the equine muscular system
     D. Specific anatomy of major muscle groups
     E. Physiology of muscle conditioning and metabolism
IV. Equine Conformation and Unsoundness
     A. Ideal conformation
     B. Acceptable conformation
     C. Gait Analysis
    D. Lameness as a result of poor conformation
     E. Management of conformation related disorders
V. Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Cardiovascular System
     A. Cardiac structure of the horse
     B. Vascular structure of the horse
     C. Electrophysiology of the heart
     D. Identification of the vascular anatomy of the horse's major vessels
     E. Equine exercise physiology
    F. Components of blood
VI. Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Respiratory System
     A. Anatomy of the upper and lower airways of the horse
     B. Anatomy of the lung of the horse
     C. Physiology of gas exchange in horses
     D. Physiology of pulmonary conditioning in horses
     E. Physiology of the syndrome of "Bleeders" in racehorses
VII. Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Digestive System
     A. Anatomy of the chewing and swallowing mechanisms of the horse
     B. Anatomy of the alimentary tract of equine digestive system
    C. Physiology of each segment of the alimentary tract
     D. Anatomy and physiology of the liver and pancreas of the horse
VIII. Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Urinary System
     A. Anatomy of the kidney, ureters, bladder, urethra
     B. Basic physiology of fluid and electrolyte balance
     C. Importance of water supply in renal function
     D. Basic mechanisms of urine formation
IX. Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Reproductive System
     A. Anatomy of the stallion
     B. Physiology of the stallion reproductive system
     C. Anatomy of the mare
     D. Physiology of the mare
X. Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Endocrine System
     A. Name and location of the endocrine organs
     B. Hormones of the hypothalamus: origin, stimulus, target, effect
     C. Hormones of the pituitary: origin, stimulus, target, effect
     D. Hormones of the thyroid: origin, stimulus, target, effect
     E. Hormones of the pancreas: origin, stimulus, target, effect
     F. Hormones of the adrenal cortex and medulla: origin, stimulus, target, effect
     G. Hormones of the gonads: origin, stimulus, target, effect
     H. Hormone of the pineal: origin, stimulus, target, effect
XI. Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Nervous System
     A. Anatomy of the brain and spinal cord
     B. Physiology of nerve conduction
     C. Anatomy of the peripheral nerves
     D. Anatomy and physiology of the autonomic equine nervous system
XII. Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Immune System
     A. Immune Cells
         1. Origin
         2. Types
         3. Functions
     B. Cell mediated immunity
XIII. Anatomy and Physiology of the Equine Integumentary System
     A. Layers of the horse's skin
     B. Physiology of the intradermal structures
     C. Hooves
         1. Form
         2. Function

Assignments:
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1. Reading in text and handouts, averaging 20-30 pages per week
2. Reading reports (2 - 5)
3. Worksheets (10 - 15)
3. Quizzes (2 - 6), Exams (1 - 3) including midterm and final
4. Practical application assignments (2 - 8), applying concepts and terminology to live horses
5. Anatomical diagram identification

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.Writing
20 - 30%
Reading reports, worksheets
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
20 - 30%
Practical applications, anatomical diagram identification
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0%
None
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
40 - 50%
Quizzes and Exams
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
0 - 10%
Class participation


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Essentials of Clinical Anatomy of the Equine Locomotor System. Jean-Marie Denoix. Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group. 2019. (classic).
A Journey Through the Horse's Body: The Anatomy of the Horse. Christina Fritz. Xenophon Press LLC. 2022.
Equine Exercise Physiology. David Marlin, Kathryn J. Nankervis. Wiley-Blackwell. 2013. (classic).

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