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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2002; 15(01): 01-06
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632705
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

The equine nuchal ligament 1: structural and material properties

K. S. Gellman
,
J. E. A. Bertram
1   Department of Nutrition, Food & Exercise Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
› Author AffiliationsThe authors would like to thank Pat Burke and Cornell Veterinary Pathology’s Necropsy Service, Dr. J. Hermanson, Dr. K. Haussier, Kristin Polizzotto, David Lee and Paul D’Antonio for technical assistance. Dr. John Gosline for helpful advice, and Michael A. Simmons for illustrations (mas44@cornell.edu).
Further Information

Publication History

Received 20 October 2000

Accepted 07 May 2001

Publication Date:
08 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

The nuchal ligament, a large elastic structure in the dorsal cervical region, helps support the head and neck in the horse. During locomotion, the caudal funicular and cranial lamellar regions make the largest contribution to elastic strain energy storage. By storing and returning strain energy, the nuchal ligament reduces the amount of oscillatory head movements. These conclusions are derived from examination of the functional morphology of the equine nuchal ligament, its deformation during head movements, and the measurements of the mechanical properties of the tissue using a loading frame. The modulus of elasticity (Young’s Modulus) was found to be similar to published values for bovine nuchal ligament: 8.4 × 105 (0.2 × 105 S. E.). The measured material properties can be combined with an analysis of tissue strain, and structural organization, to provide detailed estimates of the passive contribution of the nuchal ligament to locomotory motions of the head and neck.

Keywords

Equine - Nuchal Ligament - Biomechanics - Elastin - Young’s Modulus
 

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