What is the name of the bone in the hoof?

The bone in the hoof is known as the coffin bone, also referred to clinically as the distal phalanx. This structure is crucial for the overall health and function of the horse's hoof, providing support and helping to bear the weight of the animal. It is encased within the hoof capsule and contributes to the hoof's shape and structure.

The coffin bone is significant because it aids in the mechanics of the hoof when the horse is in motion. It interacts with various soft tissues such as the laminae, digital cushion, and other structures within the hoof, all working together to absorb shock and provide stability. Understanding the anatomy of the hoof, especially the role of the coffin bone, is essential for recognizing potential issues related to hoof health and for performing proper hoof care.

Other options, while they refer to important structures within the horse's leg and hoof, do not specifically identify the primary bone within the hoof itself. The sole bone, for instance, is not a standalone anatomical term typically used in equine anatomy. The navicular bone is located behind the coffin bone and acts as a pulley for the flexor tendons but is not part of the hoof bone structure itself. The fetlock bone refers to the bones that make up the fetlock