cannon bone
A horse stands in a grassy field, its strong cannon bone clearly visible on its front leg.
Noun: - The greatly developed bone between the knee or hock and the fetlock in the leg of a hoofed mammal: In horses and other ungulates, the cannon bone is a single, strong, long bone in the lower leg. In the front leg, it is the metacarpal bone; in the hind leg, it is the metatarsal bone. It is a key structural support for running.
The term "cannon bone" is used specifically in veterinary science, zoology, and equestrian contexts to describe a distinct anatomical feature of certain animals. - It is a countable noun (e.g., the cannon bone, both cannon bones). - It is typically modified by "front" or "hind" to specify its location.
- The horse sustained a fracture in its cannon bone, ending its racing career.
- A thorough examination revealed a small crack in the left front cannon bone.
- The strength and angle of the cannon bone are important factors in assessing a horse's conformation.
- "Cannon bone circumference": A common measurement taken on horses to assess bone density and overall sturdiness.
- Breed standards often specify a minimum cannon bone circumference for stallions.
- Metacarpal III (McIII): The specific anatomical name for the cannon bone in the front limb of a horse.
- Metatarsal III (MtIII): The specific anatomical name for the cannon bone in the hind limb of a horse.
- Splint bones: The small, vestigial metacarpal/metatarsal bones (II and IV) that run along the sides of the cannon bone.
- Shin bone (informal, in equestrian contexts): While not anatomically precise, this is sometimes used colloquially to refer to the cannon bone area.
- Metapodial bone: A more general zoological term for the long bone in the foot of ungulates, which includes the cannon bone.
A horse stands in a grassy field, its strong cannon bone clearly visible on its front leg.
- greatly developed metatarsal or metacarpal bone in the shank or cannon part of the leg in hoofed mammals