Test 4 Animal science online

What is the main function of the cardiovascular system?

To transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste throughout the body via blood circulation.

What are the main components of the cardiovascular system?

Heart, blood, and blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries).

Describe systemic circulation.

Movement of oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body and return of deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.

Describe pulmonary circulation.

Flow of deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and return of oxygenated blood to the left atrium.

What is cardiac output?

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute; calculated as heart rate × stroke volume.

What is stroke volume?

The volume of blood ejected by the ventricle during each contraction.

What controls heart rate in animals?

Autonomic nervous system: sympathetic increases HR; parasympathetic decreases HR.

What are capillaries?

Microscopic blood vessels allowing exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues.

What causes heart sounds?

Closure of valves (AV and semilunar) during the cardiac cycle.

What are the main types of blood vessels?

Arteries (carry blood away), veins (carry blood to heart), capillaries (exchange site).

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

To detect, process, and respond to stimuli to maintain homeostasis and coordinate bodily functions.

Name the two major divisions of the nervous system.

Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

What are the main cell types in the nervous system?

Neurons (transmit signals) and glial cells (support and insulate neurons).

Define reflex arc.

A rapid, automatic response to a stimulus involving sensory, interneuron, and motor neurons.

What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?

Controls involuntary processes (heart rate, digestion, respiration).

What neurotransmitter is released at neuromuscular junctions?

Acetylcholine.

Explain the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Sympathetic = fight or flight; Parasympathetic = rest and digest.

How does myelination affect nerve impulse transmission?

Increases speed of action potential conduction along axons.

What is the resting membrane potential?

The electrical charge difference across a neuron membrane when not transmitting an impulse.

Describe depolarization.

Influx of sodium ions into neuron causing inside to become less negative.

What is the main function of the immune system?

To defend the body against pathogens, foreign substances, and abnormal cells.

Name the two main branches of the immune system.

Innate (non-specific) and adaptive (specific) immunity.

What are examples of innate immune defenses?

Skin, mucous membranes, inflammation, fever, phagocytosis.

What are lymphocytes?

White blood cells (B cells and T cells) central to adaptive immunity.

Describe the role of B cells.

Produce antibodies that target specific antigens.

Describe the role of T cells.

Recognize infected or abnormal cells and mediate immune responses.

What is an antigen?

A molecule capable of triggering an immune response.

What is an antibody?

A protein that binds to a specific antigen to neutralize or mark it for destruction.

Explain the concept of memory cells.

Long-lived cells that “remember” pathogens for faster response upon re-exposure.

What is vaccination?

Intentional exposure to antigens to stimulate immunity without causing disease.

What is biosecurity in animal production?

Practices to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases in livestock populations.

Why is biosecurity important in NZ?

NZ’s economy relies heavily on animal exports; disease outbreaks could cause major losses.

Name three main biosecurity strategies.

Exclusion (keep disease out), Surveillance (detect early), Response (eradicate/contain).

What are key entry points for disease?

People, animals, vehicles, feed, water, and equipment.

What is quarantine?

Isolation of new or sick animals to prevent disease transmission.

What are vector-borne diseases?

Diseases transmitted by insects or other animals (e.g., ticks, mosquitoes).

What is the role of MPI in NZ biosecurity?

Manages national biosecurity policies and disease response systems.

Give an example of a biosecurity breach in NZ.

Mycoplasma bovis outbreak affecting cattle industry.

What is traceability and why is it important?

Ability to track animals through supply chain to manage outbreaks effectively.

What is animal welfare?

The physical and mental state of an animal in relation to the conditions in which it lives and dies.

List the Five Freedoms of animal welfare.

Freedom from hunger/thirst, discomfort, pain/injury/disease, fear/distress, and freedom to express normal behavior.

What is the main NZ legislation for animal welfare?

Animal Welfare Act 1999.

What are codes of welfare?

Practical guidelines under the Animal Welfare Act for specific species or management systems.

What is the difference between welfare and productivity?

Welfare focuses on well-being; productivity focuses on performance/output.

What are welfare indicators?

Physiological, behavioral, and health measures used to assess animal well-being.

How do handling and stockmanship affect welfare?

Good handling reduces stress and improves productivity; poor handling causes fear and injury.

What is a stereotypy?

Repetitive, abnormal behavior indicating poor welfare or environmental frustration.

How does housing design affect animal welfare?

Adequate space, ventilation, and enrichment improve comfort and behavior.

What are the ethical considerations in animal welfare?

Using animals responsibly for food, fiber, and research while ensuring humane treatment.

How can stress affect animal productivity?

Chronic stress reduces growth, reproduction, and immune function.

What physiological measure indicates stress in animals?

Elevated cortisol levels.

Describe the concept of “fitness for transport.”

Animals must be healthy and fit before being transported to avoid suffering.

How does slaughter process relate to welfare?

Humane stunning and handling reduce pain and distress before death.

What is the significance of enrichment in production animals?

Encourages natural behaviors, reduces stress, and improves welfare.

What are stockperson qualities that promote welfare?

Patience, calmness, empathy, consistency in handling animals.

How can welfare and productivity be balanced?

By improving management and housing to promote health and reduce stress.