Which structure produces the bulk of the hoof wall?

• A. Sensitive coronary papilla
• B. Frog tissue
• C. Digital cushion
• D. Lamellae

Answer: (A)

The bulk of the hoof wall comes from the growth region at the coronary band. Within this area, the living tissue known as the sensitive coronary papillae produces the keratinized horn cells that form the hoof wall. As these horn-forming cells are created, they are pushed downward and outward, building up the thick outer wall. The frog tissue, digital cushion, and lamellae have other roles: frog tissue forms the frog themselves, the digital cushion provides cushioning inside the hoof, and lamellae help anchor the wall to the coffin bone but do not generate the wall material.