HOSA Veterinary Science Exam 2025 Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and important details related to Veterinary Science needed for the HOSA exam.

What are the two main components of Anatomy and Physiology in veterinary science?

Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body and its parts; Physiology is the study of how the body functions.

What are the two main branches of anatomy?

The two main branches are Gross Anatomy (structures visible to the naked eye) and Microscopic Anatomy (structures requiring magnification).

What are the levels of organization within the body?

The levels are Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ System, and Organism.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain internal stability in response to internal and external changes.

What are the main components of a homeostatic feedback loop?

The main components are a Receptor (detects change), a Control Center (processes information), and an Effector (carries out response).

Provide an example of a homeostatic mechanism.

Regulation of body temperature, blood glucose levels, or \text{pH} balance are examples.

What is the gestation period for cats?

The gestation period for cats is 58–65 days.

What is the approximate gestation period for dogs?

The approximate gestation period for dogs is 63 days.

What is the approximate gestation period for horses?

The approximate gestation period for horses is 330–345 days.

Name the main organs involved in the digestive system.

The main organs are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.

What are the primary functions of the mouth in digestion?

The mouth is responsible for mechanical digestion (mastication) and the initial chemical digestion through enzymes in saliva.

What is the role of the esophagus in digestion?

The esophagus transports food from the mouth to the stomach via peristalsis.

What are the main functions of the stomach?

The stomach stores food, mixes it with gastric juices for mechanical and chemical digestion, and secretes enzymes like pepsin.

What are the three main sections of the small intestine?

The three main sections are the Duodenum, Jejunum, and Ileum.

What is the primary function of the small intestine?

The primary function of the small intestine is the absorption of nutrients.

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

The primary function of the large intestine is water absorption, electrolyte balance, and formation of feces.

What are the main functions of the liver in digestion?

The liver produces bile (aids fat digestion), detoxifies blood, and metabolizes nutrients.

What are the main functions of the pancreas in digestion?

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes (e.g., amylase, lipase, trypsin) and hormones like insulin and glucagon for blood sugar regulation.

What is the normal heart rate range for dogs?

The normal heart rate for dogs is 70–120 beats per minute (bpm).

What is the normal heart rate range for cats?

The normal heart rate for cats is generally higher than dogs, around 120–140 bpm.

What factors can affect an animal's heart rate?

Factors include age, size, breed, activity level, stress, excitement, and underlying medical conditions.

What does the ABCDE in the Primary Survey of emergency care stand for?

A: Airway, B: Breathing, C: Circulation, D: Disability, E: Examination.

What specific actions are taken for 'A' (Airway) in the Primary Survey?

Assess for obstructions, clear any foreign material, and ensure a patent airway.

What specific actions are taken for 'B' (Breathing) in the Primary Survey?

Observe respiratory rate and effort, assess chest wall movement, and provide oxygen or ventilate if necessary.

What specific actions are taken for 'C' (Circulation) in the Primary Survey?

Check for a pulse, assess capillary refill time (CRT), evaluate mucous membrane color, and control any severe hemorrhage.

What does 'D' (Disability) in the Primary Survey refer to?

'Disability' refers to assessing the patient's neurological status, including level of consciousness and response to stimuli.

What is involved in 'E' (Examination) in the Primary Survey?

'Examination' involves a rapid head-to-tail physical assessment, pain assessment, and environmental control (e.g., warmth).

What tools are typically found in Drawer 1 of a crash cart?

Drawer 1 typically contains tools for Airway management such as forceps, endotracheal tubes of various sizes, and laryngoscopes.

What is the purpose of an endotracheal tube?

An endotracheal tube is used to maintain a patent airway, facilitate ventilation, and deliver anesthetic gases or oxygen during procedures.

What is the purpose of a laryngoscope?

A laryngoscope is used to visualize the larynx and aid in the correct placement of an endotracheal tube.

What general category of drugs might be found in a crash cart?

Emergency drugs such as atropine (to increase heart rate), epinephrine (for cardiac stimulation), and lidocaine (for arrhythmias) are commonly found.

What are the signs of cardiac arrest in animals?

Signs include absence of a palpable pulse, apnea (no breathing), dilated pupils, unconsciousness, and pale or cyanotic mucous membranes.

What is the immediate response to suspected cardiac arrest in an animal?

The immediate response is to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), consisting of chest compressions and ventilation.

What does 'apnea' mean?

Apnea refers to the cessation of breathing.

What is an aseptic technique?

Aseptic technique is a set of procedures and practices designed to prevent contamination by microorganisms during surgical or medical procedures.

What are key components of maintaining an aseptic field in surgery?

Key components include sterilization of instruments, use of sterile drapes, surgical gowns, sterile gloves, and meticulous skin preparation.

What is the difference between sterilization and disinfection?

Sterilization is the complete elimination of all microbial life, while disinfection reduces the number of pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects.

What are the core nutrients required for animal health?

Core nutrients include water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

What is the most important nutrient and its primary role?

Water is the most important nutrient, critical for hydration, nutrient transport, waste elimination, and thermoregulation.

What is the primary role of proteins in animal nutrition?

Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, enzyme production, hormone synthesis, and immune function.

What is the primary role of fats in animal nutrition?

Fats provide concentrated energy, aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and provide essential fatty acids.

What is the primary role of carbohydrates in animal nutrition?

Carbohydrates are the primary and most readily available source of energy for the body.

What is the general role of vitamins in animal health?

Vitamins act as cofactors for metabolic reactions, support immune function, growth, and overall cellular health.

What is the general role of minerals in animal health?

Minerals are essential for structural components (bones, teeth), electrolyte balance, nerve impulse transmission, and enzyme function.

What is the role of a Veterinary Technician?

Veterinary Technicians are vital members of the veterinary healthcare team, assisting veterinarians in various aspects of patient care.

In what ways do Veterinary Technicians assist in veterinary exams?

Vet Techs collect patient history, obtain vital signs, perform patient restraint, assist with diagnostic sample collection, and prepare equipment.

What specific responsibilities do Vet Techs have during anesthesia?

Vet Techs monitor vital signs, administer anesthetic drugs, maintain anesthetic machines, and ensure patient safety throughout anesthesia and recovery.

What types of laboratory work do Vet Techs perform?

Vet Techs commonly perform blood smears, urinalysis, fecal examinations, basic cytology, and operate in-house diagnostic machines.

Define zoonoses.

Zoonoses are diseases that can be naturally transmitted between animals and humans.

Give an example of a common bacterial zoonotic disease.

Examples include Leptospirosis, Salmonella, and Lyme disease.

Give an example of a common viral zoonotic disease.

Examples include Rabies and certain influenza viruses.

How can the transmission of zoonotic diseases be prevented?

Prevention includes proper hygiene (handwashing), vaccination of animals, parasite control, proper food handling, and avoiding contact with sick animals.

What is positive reinforcement in behavior modification?

Positive reinforcement is the addition of a desired stimulus (something pleasant) after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again, such as giving a treat.

What is negative reinforcement?

Negative reinforcement is the removal of an aversive stimulus (something unpleasant) after a behavior to increase that behavior.

What is positive punishment?

Positive punishment is the addition of an aversive stimulus after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

What is negative punishment?

Negative punishment is the removal of a desired stimulus after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

What is the preferred method for house training puppies?

Preferred methods include consistent scheduling for potty breaks, crate training, and using positive reinforcement (e.g., praise, treats) for eliminating outside.

Why is consistent scheduling important for house training?

Consistent scheduling helps establish a predictable routine for the puppy's elimination needs, making it easier to preempt accidents.

How does crate training aid in house training?

Crate training leverages a dog's natural instinct to avoid soiling its sleeping area, helping to teach bladder and bowel control.

What is imprinting in animal behavior?

Imprinting is a rapid learning process, often irreversible, that occurs during a critical period in an animal's early life, leading to strong bonds with a parent figure or specific objects/species.

During what critical period does imprinting typically occur?

Imprinting typically occurs during a sensitive period shortly after birth or hatching.

What is the significance of imprinting for developing animals?

Imprinting is significant for establishing social bonds, species identification, learning basic survival skills, and influencing future mating preferences.