Comparative quantitative analysis of osseous anatomy of the craniovertebral junction of tiger, horse, deer, and humans

Abstract

Aim:To compare the osseous anatomy of the craniovertebral junction of a horse, deer, and tiger with that of a human being. The variation in the structure of bones in these animals is analyzed.Materials and Methods:Various dimensions of the bones of the craniovertebral junction of the horse, deer, and tiger were quantitatively measured, and their differences with those of human bones were compared and analyzed.Results:Apart from the sizes and weights, there are a number of structural variations in the bones of these animals that depend on their functional needs. The more remarkable difference in joint morphology is noticed in the occipitoatlantal joint. The occipitoatlantal articulation is remarkably large and deep, resembling a ‘hinge joint’ in all the three animals studied. The odontoid process is ‘C shaped’ in the deer and horse and is ‘denslike’ in the tiger and humans. The transverse processes of the atlas are in the form of large wings in all the three animals. The arches of the atlas are large and flat, but the traverse of the vertebral artery resembles, to an extent, to that of human vertebral artery. The rotatory movements of the head at the craniovertebral junction are wider ranged in the horse and deer as compared with those of the tiger and humans. The bones of the craniovertebral junction of all the three animals are adapted to the remarkable thickness and strength of the extensor muscles of the nape of the neck.Conclusions:Despite the wide variations in the size of the bones, the basic patterns of structure, vascular and neural relationship, and joint alignments have remarkable similarities and a definite pattern of differences.

The Effect of Kinesiotape on Flexion-Extension of the Thoracolumbar Back in Horses at Trot

“…Kinesiotaping is also commonly used in veterinary physiotherapy during rehabilitation and injury prevention training. Theoretically the physiological effects may be transmittable to horses due to the similarities in neuromuscular and neuromotor control pathways [18][19][20][21][22][23]. The aim of using tape is to stimulate mechanoreceptive and proprioceptive activity in the skin, fascia, ligaments, and joints and thereby create a sensory afferent activity from the taped region.…”

Comparative quantitative analysis of osseous anatomy of the craniovertebral junction of tiger, horse, deer, and humans

“…Relationship of the vertebral artery and C1 and C2 spinal nerves to the craniovertebral junction were studied on the basis of literature survey. [ 1 – 3 ]…”

Congenital atlantoaxial dislocation: Nature’s engineering gone wrong and surgeon’s attempt to rectify it

“…Wider C1-2 joints are seen in herbivores, where the animal has to bend neck down and turn neck to graze. [ 3 ] The range of neck movements in these animals is incredibly wider than humans. In the chain of evolution, the range of neck movements has reduced in the predators and humans.…”