Anatomical photograph of a horse hoof sectional anatomy specimen by Dr. Christoph von Horst. The anatomical color preserved embedding section shows details of the digital cushion, horse hoof cartilage, equine digit blood vessels, etc.
Horse foot vascularisation in a sheet plastinate
Vascularisation of the equine hoof visible in a research outlet sheet plastinate. Blood vessels supply of the coffin bone, the navicular bone, hoof sole corium, etc. Available in the shop.
Strange anatomical structures in the hoof corium of the horse




High resolution anatomical photographs of SI-Sheet plastinates of the hoof show structures which reach vom the coffin bone into the hoof corium. These might be part of the suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx. I had discussed with Chris Pollitt in the past whether it would be possible to visualise the mesocopic details of the suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx in sheet plastination specimens. With the help of the SI (Selective Impregnation) – method it might be possible.
I will examine more hoof plastinates and check whether these structures can be found in all hooves or if they might be a result of hoof disease like eg. laminitis. Meanwhile I am looking forward to your comments and ideas.
You can also find this picture in slightly higher resolution together with many other interesting pictures of the horse hoof anatomy in the Equine anatomy gallery at the HC Biovision website.