The science or study of the mechanical aspects of biological structures or whole organisms. It is a multidisciplinary field, combining anatomy and physiology with the principles of engineering and physics to investigate aspects of functional mechanics and the movement of bodies or structures, generally the musculoskeletal system. In equine science, biomechanics is particularly concerned with gait patterns, joint loading, the interplay of muscles and bones, the reaction of the musculoskeletal system to different physical forces (e.g. saddle pressure or rider movements), and the general "mechanics" of the horse.