Sheep Anatomy

Sheep are ungulate mammals that have been domesticated for over 9,000 years. Highly valued for their wool, meat, and milk, sheep originated from wild ancestors known as mouflon.

Understanding sheep anatomy is essential for veterinarians, students, farmers, and animal science professionals, as it enhances care, diagnostics, and breeding outcomes.

To gain a deeper understanding of sheep anatomy, our collection of anatomical charts and posters provides clear, detailed illustrations that will enrich your learning experience. Whether you’re a student, lecturer, or veterinary professional , these visual tools simplify complex concepts, making anatomy easier to remember and apply.

The skeletal structure of sheep is divided into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column (spine), and the sternum.

The skull is dome-shaped, with a sloped profile. The mandible (lower jaw) is held by ligaments that allow lateral movement for grinding plant material. Adult sheep have 32 teeth, consisting of 8 incisors on the lower jaw and 24 molars, on the top and bottom jaws. Sheep do not have incisors on the upper jaw, instead there is a hard dental pad that aids in gripping and tearing of grass.

The vertebral column consists of differing groups of vertebrae, which vary in size and shape, depending on their location and function. Sheep have 7 cervical vertebrae forming the neck, 13 thoracic vertebrae that run from the base of the neck to the middle of the back, 6 lumbar vertebrae forming the lower back, 4 fused sacral vertebrae which form an attachment site for the pelvis, and 3 to 24 caudal vertebrae in the tail.

Sheep have 13 pairs of ribs. The ribs protrude from each side of each thoracic vertebrae and are responsible for protecting the thoracic cavity and aiding respiration. The base of ribs 1-8 connect to the sternum, a bony structure that supports the thorax.

The forelimb is composed of:

• Scapula
• Humerus
• Radius and Ulna
• Carpus
• Metacarpals
• Phalanges
  
  

The hindlimb includes:

• Pelvic girdle (ilium, ischium, pubis)
• Femur
• Patella
• Tibia and Fibula
• Tarsus
• Proximal, middle, and distal phalanges, each encased in a hoof

Our anatomical sheep models offer accurate visual representations of the skeletal system, muscle groups, and organ structure. These durable, detailed models help learners visualise limb articulation, organ placement, and musculoskeletal function, making them essential for education, training, and clinic demonstrations.

In general, each end of a muscle attaches to a different bone. When muscle is activated, it contracts (shortens) pulling the two structures closer together, giving a lever effect on the bones and facilitating movement. 

Key muscles that enable movement of the sheep include:

• Major forelimb muscles, including brachiocephalicus, latissimus dorsi, trapezius, deltoids, and triceps brachii.
• Epaxial muscles originating from the top of the vertebral column, responsible stabilising the spine and for up and down and side to side movement of the neck and spine.
• Hypaxial muscles originating from just below the vertebral column, responsible for flexion and stability of the neck and spine.
• Major hindlimb muscles, including the gluteals, biceps femoris, quadriceps, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and gastrocnemius.

Sheep are ruminants with a complex four-chambered stomach for fermentative digestion. Parts of the stomach include:

1. Rumen: the rumen contains vast numbers of microorganisms that help to digest and ferment fibrous foods. The rumen also provides a space for food to be stored, before being regurgitated, chewed again, and swallowed in a process referred to as “chewing the cud”. 

2. Reticulum : when particles within the rumen become small enough, they pass to the reticulum, before being moved into the omasum. Larger particles remain in the rumen to be digested further. The reticulum will trap any non-digestible objects, such as stones. The reticulum and the rumen are considered to be two components of the same organ, referred to as the reticulo-rumen.

3. Omasum: the omasum filters food particles, absorbing water and minerals as the food moves to the abomasum.

4. Abomasum: the abomasum is lined with cells that secrete hydrochloric acid, mucus and pepsin, enabling enzymatic digestion and a final breakdown of the food. 

This process ensures efficient breakdown and nutrient extraction from plant-based diets.

• Ovaries: Egg production, hormone release (oestrogen, progesterone)
• Fallopian tubes (oviducts): Site of fertilisation
• Uterine horns and uterus: Embryo implantation and development
• Cervix: Barrier to infection, gateway to uterus
• Vagina and vulva: Birth canal and external genitalia

• Scrotum and testes: Produce sperm and testosterone
• Vas deferens: Transports sperm
• Seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands: Produce fluid to form semen
• Penis and urethral process: Semen delivery system

Understanding veterinary anatomy can be far more effective with high-quality visual tools. Our range of anatomical models, posters, and digital downloads allow students and professionals to deepen their understanding through both visual and tactile learning.

Whether you're preparing for exams, teaching a class, or working in a clinical setting, our veterinary resources provide a practical and engaging way to study animal anatomy.