Veterinary Anatomy: Sub-branches, Terminology, and Dissection Planes

Anatomy

Branch of knowledge which deals with its form, disposition and structure of the body and its part.

Anatomy (definition)

This term strictly means 'cutting apart', 'cutting open', or 'dissociating or dissecting the parts of the body.'

Macroscopic Anatomy

Deals with structures large enough to be seen by unaided eye.

Microscopic Anatomy

Deals with structures seen only under the microscope.

Comparative Anatomy

Study of structures of various species of animals with emphasis on those that aid in classification.

Developmental Anatomy

Study of stages through which the organism evolves from conception to birth.

Applied Anatomy

Practical application of knowledge in diagnosis and treatment of such pathological diseases.

Ultrastructural Anatomy

Study of certain parts of the body in greater details employing with the use of electron microscope.

Radiographic Anatomy

Term used when anatomical knowledge of internal organ or a part of animal body is applied for diagnosis or treatment of that particular organ or part by radiological or radiographic means.

Forensic Anatomy

Term framed for the application of anatomical knowledge for investigative purposes in the field of forensic science or medicine.

Pathological Anatomy

Study of animal's body when its body/organs functions abnormally.

Teratology

Abnormal development of an individual or organism.

Systemic Anatomy

Study of structures of the body according to the different systems of the animal's body.

Topographical Anatomy

Study of structures according to the different regions of the body; it is directly concerned with form and relationships of all organs present in particular parts or regions of the body.

Basle Nomina Anatomica (BNA)

A standard list of terms proposed in 1895 by a group of anatomists, which formed the basis for the present 6th edition of Nomina Anatomica.

Nomina Anatomica

Prepared by International Anatomical Nomenclature Committee (IANC) in 1955 and adopted by International Congress of Anatomists in Paris.

Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV)

Published by the International Committee on Veterinary Anatomical Nomenclature (ICVAN) for domestic mammals.

Anatomical Concept (NAV)

Each anatomical concept should be designated by a single term.

Term Language (NAV)

Each term should be in Latin.

Term Length (NAV)

Each term should be as short and simple as possible.

Memorability (NAV)

The terms should be easy to remember and should have instructive and descriptive values.

Topographical Relation (NAV)

Structures that are closely related topographically should have similar names.

Femur

A bone of the thigh.

Femoral artery

The main artery supplying blood to the leg.

Femoral nerve

A nerve that innervates the thigh muscles.

Femoral vein

The vein that drains blood from the leg.

Superficial

Near the surface of the body or surface of an organ.

Deep

Near the center of the body or center of a solid organ.

Major

Referring to a larger or more significant structure.

Minor

Referring to a smaller or less significant structure.

Eponyms

Terms derived from proper names.

Median plane

Divides the body longitudinally into left and right halves in equal divisions.

Sagittal plane

Passes through the head, body, or limb parallel to the median plane.

Transverse plane

Cuts across the head, body, or limb at a right angle to its long axis.

Dorsal plane

Runs at right angles to the median and transverse planes, dividing the body into dorsal and ventral portions.

Transverse section

A cut through the transverse plane.

Sagittal section

A cut through the sagittal plane dividing the body into unequal right and left halves.

Lateral

Denoting a position away from the midline or in the median plane.

Medial

Towards the midline or median plane.

Dorsal

Lies toward or relatively near the back of the trunk.

Ventral

Lies toward or near the belly.

Cranial

Refers to the direction towards the cranium or head end of the body.

Caudal

Refers to the direction towards the tail end of the body.

Rostral

Refers to the direction towards the nose end of the body.

Proximal

Relatively near the main mass or origin.

Distal

Relatively away from the main mass or origin.

Peripheral

Means away from the center.

Central

Towards the center.

Oblique

Near a certain angle of the body surface.

Palmar

Caudal surface of the manus (frontpaw) including the carpus.

Plantar

Caudal surface of the pes (rearpaw) including the tarsus.

Axis

An imaginary line joining two opposing poles about which the body may revolve.

Axial

Part or surface facing the axis.

Abaxial

Faces away from the axis.

Abduction

Movement of a part away from the median plane.

Adduction

Movement of a part towards the median plane.

Eversion

Turning outward or inside out of a part.

Extension

Extending or straightening a part or limb.

Flexion

Bending a part or limb.

Rotation

turning about on an axis

Pronation

medial rotation of the appendage from the supine position

Supination

lateral rotation of the appendage.

Circumduction

movement of part when outlining the surface of the cone.

Protraction

to advance a limb forward as in walking

Retraction

to move a limb backward as in walking

Recumbency

only medical term for lying down

Dorsal recumbency

lying on the back

Supine

lying in dorsal recumbency

Ventral recumbency

lying on the belly (sternal recumbency)

Prone

lying in ventral or sternal recumbency

Left lateral recumbency

lying on the left side

Right lateral recumbency

lying on the right side

Dissection

Latin word 'dissecare' means to cut/to separate into pieces.

Dissection procedure

The dog provided for dissection has been humanely prepared by injection of pentobarbital for anesthesia through the cephalic vein and by exsanguination through a cannula inserted in the common carotid artery.

Embalming fluid

consisting of 5% formalin, 2% phenol, and 30% ethanol in aqueous solution.

Osteology

study of bones and cartilages that protect and support the soft parts and organs of the body.

Myology

study of skeletal muscles and tendons that cover a play over the bones, body cavities and other places all over the body of the animal.

Arthrology/syndesmology

study of joints that helps in movements of the bones and muscles affecting locomotion and other visible movements of different parts of the body.

Splanchnology

study of visceral organs, their membranes, and the accessory glands that include mostly the organs of GI tract, respiratory, urinary, and genital systems.

Endocrinology

study of endocrine glands that helps in the functioning and functional coordination of various organ systems.

Angiology

study of organs and vessels of blood and lymph circulation.

Neurology

study of neural organs and structures that helps in controlling and coordinating the activities and functions of all organs and organ system.

Aesthesiology

study of organs of different senses; eye (vision), ear (hearing), skin (touch).

Skeletal system

supporting framework upon in which the body is built.

Muscular system

mechanism by which the bones are moved to bring about locomotion.

Integumentary system

covering of the body.

Cardiovascular system

transport of blood around the body. It consists organs of blood and lymph circulation (heart, blood vessels, and glands).

Nervous system

carries information to and from central 'control station of the body' (brain), it controls and monitors internal and external environment of the body.

Endocrine system

controls the body function via a communication system of chemical messengers or hormones.

Digestive system

responsible for breaking down of food to its basic components in order for the body to utilize it.

Respiratory system

responsible for taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

Urinary system

responsible for eliminating waste products and toxic substances from the body.

Reproductive system

responsible for producing offspring.