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Horse Anatomy Quiz: Name the Parts of the Horse

Quick, free equine anatomy quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Deepak SatheeshUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for horse anatomy quiz on a coral background

This horse anatomy quiz helps you identify the parts of a horse and key skeletal features, so you can spot strengths and gaps fast. After you finish, brush up on external landmarks in our horse body parts quiz, or drill details with a targeted bone markings quiz.

The primary bone forming the front limb cannon region is the
Third metacarpal
Proximal phalanx
Ulna
First metacarpal
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How many cervical vertebrae does a typical horse have?
7
9
6
8
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The equine "knee" corresponds anatomically to the
Carpus
Stifle
Hock
Fetlock
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The equine hock is the anatomical term for the
Carpus
Stifle
Shoulder
Tarsus
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The anatomical landmark known as the poll is located at the
Point of hip
Point of shoulder
Occipital region just behind the ears
Bridge of the nose
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Which vertebrae create the prominent withers in the horse?
Spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae T3 to T8
Sacral vertebrae S1 to S3
Cervical vertebrae C1 to C3
Lumbar vertebrae L1 to L3
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Which single bone is entirely enclosed within the hoof capsule, excluding the distal sesamoid (navicular) bone?
Middle phalanx (short pastern, P2)
Distal phalanx (coffin bone, P3)
Proximal phalanx (long pastern, P1)
Navicular bone (proximal sesamoid)
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Which structures are commonly referred to as the splint bones of the forelimb?
Proximal and middle phalanges
First and fifth metacarpal bones
Radius and ulna
Second and fourth metacarpal bones
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The fetlock joint is anatomically the
Proximal interphalangeal joint
Metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint
Carpometacarpal joint
Tarsocrural joint
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How many pairs of ribs does a typical horse possess?
18 pairs
17 pairs
16 pairs
19 pairs
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The navicular bone is best classified as a
Short bone of the carpus
Sesamoid bone (distal sesamoid)
Irregular bone of the skull
Long bone of the digit
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Which bony prominence forms the point of hip in the horse?
Acromion of the scapula
Tuber coxae of the ilium
Tuber ischii of the ischium
Greater trochanter of the femur
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The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible to which skull bone?
Frontal bone
Temporal bone
Parietal bone
Occipital bone
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Which structure in the hoof primarily aids shock absorption at the heel?
Laminae
Digital cushion
Frog stay
Extensor process
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In hoof anatomy, the bars are
Grooves in the coronet band
Inward folds of the hoof wall alongside the frog
Ligaments supporting the navicular bone
Keratinized extensions of the sole
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The groove on the internal surface of the parietal bones accommodates the dorsal sagittal sinus.
True
False
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Which structure is the main extensor tendon inserting on the extensor process of P3?
Superficial digital flexor tendon
Common digital extensor tendon
Deep digital flexor tendon
Suspensory ligament branch
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Which structure suspends the distal sesamoid (navicular) bone within the hoof?
Annular ligament of the fetlock
Interosseous membrane of the radius and ulna
Cranial cruciate ligament
Collateral (suspensory) ligaments of the navicular bone
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Which joint is stabilized by the medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the pastern?
Metacarpophalangeal joint
Carpometacarpal joint
Distal interphalangeal joint
Proximal interphalangeal joint
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Which cartilage structures extend proximally from the wings of the coffin bone?
Collateral cartilages of the hoof (ungual cartilages)
Annular cartilage of the carpus
Articular cartilage of the fetlock
Menisci of the stifle
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Major Equine Bones -

    Learn to pinpoint and name the key skeletal components of the horse, from the skull to the hooves, using clear anatomical terms.

  2. Recall Anatomical Terminology -

    Memorize essential vocabulary for parts of the horse, strengthening your grasp of basic horse anatomy for further study or practice.

  3. Differentiate Limb Structures -

    Distinguish between forelimb and hindlimb bone configurations to understand how each supports movement and weight-bearing.

  4. Analyze Skeletal Diagrams -

    Interpret quiz images to accurately locate and label skeletal features, enhancing visual recognition skills in equine anatomy.

  5. Apply Anatomy Knowledge -

    Use your quiz results to connect theoretical understanding with real-world scenarios, whether riding, training, or studying veterinary science.

  6. Evaluate Your Proficiency -

    Assess your performance and identify areas for improvement, helping you set goals for mastering equine skeletal anatomy.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Division of the Equine Skeleton -

    Equine skeletal anatomy quiz often starts by splitting the skeleton into axial (skull, vertebrae, ribs) and appendicular (limbs) regions, totaling about 205 bones in an adult horse according to Colorado State University's veterinary program. A handy mnemonic to recall major limb bones is "Some Horses Rarely Clean Manes Promptly" for Scapula, Humerus, Radius, Carpus, Metacarpus, Phalanges. This foundation helps in any parts of the horse quiz.

  2. Skull Landmarks and Functions -

    The equine skull houses 34 bones, including the maxilla, mandible, frontal and nasal bones, each serving roles in protection and mastication as detailed by Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Remember, the sinuses within the skull lighten the head's weight and aid in voice resonance - think "Silly Max N&M" to recall Sinus, Maxilla, Nasal, Mandible. Mastering skull anatomy boosts your basic horse anatomy knowledge.

  3. Vertebral Column Segments -

    The vertebral column splits into five regions: 7 cervical, 18 thoracic, 6 lumbar, 5 fused sacral and 15 - 21 coccygeal vertebrae, per University of Guelph veterinary guides. Use the chant "7-18-6-5-15+" to lock in this iconic basic horse anatomy formula. Recognizing these counts is a staple for any successful horse anatomy quiz.

  4. Limb Joint and Bone Structure -

    Forelimb and hindlimb structures differ: the forelimb relies on the scapula and humerus for weight-bearing, while the hindlimb uses the pelvis and femur for propulsion, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Key joints to identify include the fetlock (metacarpophalangeal), carpus (knee) and tarsus (hock), each common on an equine anatomy quiz. Familiarity with P1, P2 and P3 (phalanges) will sharpen your parts of the horse quiz skills.

  5. Hoof and Distal Limb Bones -

    The distal limb houses crucial bones like the coffin (P3), navicular (distal sesamoid) and proximal sesamoids, as described by the British Equine Veterinary Association. A popular mnemonic is "Clever Naps Prevent Soreness" for Coffin, Navicular, Proximal Sesamoids. Solid knowledge of these bones is essential for any equine anatomy quiz or parts of the horse quiz.

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