Where do the digital arteries enter the hoof?

• A. Through the dorsal hoof wall
• B. On each side of the pastern
• C. Through the sole
• D. Through the heel

Answer: (B)

Digital arteries reach the hoof by traveling down the limb in the palmar digital branches and entering the hoof capsule from the sides of the pastern. From there, their branches run around the coffin bone to supply the hoof wall, laminae, and sole. The other options would not provide a direct entry into the hoof’s interior: the dorsal hoof wall is the exterior surface, the sole is not a primary entry point for these major vessels, and the heel region isn’t where the digital arteries enter to supply the hoof. So, the vessels enter on each side of the pastern.