Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy

Form and structure of the body and its parts

Physiology

The functions of the body and its parts

Microscopic Anatomy (Histology)

Structures so small we need a microscope to see them clearly

Macroscopic Anatomy (Gross Anatomy)

Body parts large enough to be seen with the unaided eye

Regional Anatomy

The study of individual regions of the body

Systematic Anatomy

The study of individual systems of the body

Planes of Reference

Any of the four basic imaginary slices through an animal body oriented are right angles to each other

Sagittal Plane

A plane that runs the length of the body and divides it into left and right parts that are not necessarily equal parts

Median Plane

A special kind of sagittal plane that runs down the center of the body lengthwise and divides it into equal left and right halves

Transverse Plane

A plane across the body that divides it into cranial and caudal parts that are not necessarily equal

Dorsal Plane

A plane at right angles to the sagittal and transverse places. In humans this plane is called the dorsal plane.

Cranial

Toward the head. In humans this is called superior.

Caudal

Toward the tail. In humans this is called inferior.

Xiphoid Process

The caudal end of the sternum

Rostral

Toward the tip of the nose

Dorsal

Toward the back of a standing animal. In humans this is called posterior.

Ventral

Toward the belly of a standing animal. In humans this is called anterior.

Medial

Toward the median plane

Lateral

Away from the median plane

Deep (Internal)

Toward the center of the body or a body part

Superficial (External)

Toward the surface of the body or a body part

Proximal

Toward the body

Distal

Away from the body

Carpus

Equivalent to our wrist

Tarsus

Equivalent to our ankle

Palmar

The back surface of the front leg from the carpus distally

Plantar

The back of the hind leg from the tarsus distally

Barrel

Trunk of the body

Brisket

Area at the base of the neck between the front legs that covers the cranial end of the sternum

Cannon

Large metacarpal or metatarsal bone of hoofed animals

Fetlock

Joint between cannon bone and the proximal phalanx of hoofed animals

Flank

Lateral surface of the abdomen between the last rib and the hind legs

Hock

Tarsus

Knee

Carpus of hooved animals

Muzzle

Rostral part of the face formed mainly by the maxillary and nasal bones

Pastern

Area of the proximal phalanx of hoofed animals

Poll

Top of the head between the bases of the ears

Stifle

Femorotibial joint

Tailhead

Dorsal part of the base of the tail

Withers

Area dorsal to scapulas

Bilateral Symmetry

Left and right halves of an animal’s body are essentially mirror images of each other

Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract

The part of the digestive tube composed of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine

Dorsal Body Cavity

Contains the brain and spinal cord

Cranium

Formed from several bones of the skull and houses and protects the brain

Spinal Canal

Formed from the vertebrae of the spine and houses and protects the spinal cord

Ventral Body Cavity

Contains most of the soft organs of the body

Viscera

Soft organs

Thorax

Chest

Pleura

A thin membrane that covers all of the organs in the thoracic cavity

Visceral Layer

The layer of pleura that covers the organs

Parietal Layer

The layer of pleura that lines the whole thoracic cavity

Inflammation

The first step of the healing process when the body is injured

Tissues

Formed when specialized cells group together

Epithelial Tissue

Composed entirely of cells and its main jobs are to cover body surfaces

Connective Tissue

Holds the body together

Adipose

Fat

Muscle Tissue

Moves the body inside and out

Skeletal Muscle

Moves the bones of the skeleton and is under conscious nervous system control

Cardiac Muscle

Makes of the heart and works automatically

Smooth Muscle

Found in internal organs such as the digestive tract and urinary bladder

Nervous Tissue

Transmits information around the body and controls body functions

Organs

Made up of groups of tissues that work together for common purposes

Systems

The most complex level of body organization

Digestive System

Concerned with obtaining, digesting, and absorbing nutrients to fuel the rest of the body

Health

A state of normal anatomy and physiology

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a dynamic equilibrium in the body

Equilibrium

Balance

Fight-or-Flight System

Another term for the nervous system that helps prepare the body for intense physical activity