Microscopic Anatomy of the Equine Skin with Special Reference to the Dermis

Abstract

We have observed and re-evaluated the histology of the skin of the horse, using samples from four Thoroughbreds. The skin was composed of the usual three components: epidermis, dermis and subcutis. In particular, the dermis was found to have three fibrous components: a papillary layer, a reticular layer and a cordovan-leather tissue layer. The cordovan-leather tissue layer was subdivided into a superficial main layer and a deeper accessory layer. The superficial main layer was thick, and present in all of the skin samples. The deeper accessory layer was found in the dorsal and dorsolateral parts of the neck and trunk and in the extremities. Hair bulbs and sudoriferous glands did not extend into the cordovan-leather tissue layer and subcutis.