Respiratory system of the horse

Additionally, a small pocket within them, called the nasal diverticulum, filters debris with the help of the hairs lining the inner nostril.

The pharynx is about 15 cm (5.9 in) long in an adult, and includes the nasopharynx, which protect the entrance to the auditory tubes, the oropharynx, which contains tonsillar tissue, and the laryngopharynx.

These consist of: A flap of tissue called the soft palate blocks off the pharynx from the mouth (oral cavity) of the horse, except when swallowing.

The genus Equus has a unique part of the respiratory system called the guttural pouch, which is thought to equalize air pressure on the tympanic membrane.

The larynx not only allows the horse to vocalize, but also prevents aspiration of food and helps to control the volume of air inhaled.

As the neck is lowered during the extended phase of the gallop, the hind legs move backward and the gut contents shift forwards, pushing into the diaphragm and forcing air out of the lungs.

Due to the length of the nasal cavity, there is a large area of these receptors, and the horse has a better ability to smell than a human.