![]() The structure and function of the equine cardiovascular system are, therefore, fundamental to the superior athletic performance of the horse.įIGURE 11-2 The cardiovascular system illustrating the blood flow to and from the main body systems. The stroke volume (SV) of blood pumped with each cardiac contraction is over 1 liter (L) in trained horses, and maximal rates of blood flow during exercise are likely to be up to approximately 400 liters per minute (L/min) in the most exceptional equine athletes. This infusion of erythrocytes increases the oxygen-transport capacity of arterial blood and enables horses to greatly increase O 2max during exercise. The superior oxygen transport of the horse is attributed to its specialized spleen, which is able to add an extra volume of red blood cells (RBCs) to the circulation when it contracts after the stimuli of fear, excitement or exercise. Horses have a high maximal oxygen consumption ( O 2max) relative to body weight compared with most other mammals. The cardiovascular system of the horse is specifically designed for exceptional transport of oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Its principal function is transport of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, fuels for energy production, electrolytes, hormones, and metabolic products. ![]() ![]() The cardiovascular system is a transport system consisting of a muscular pump, the heart, and a network of blood vessels that contain blood.
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