Basic Concepts and Anatomical Terms

comparative veterinary anatomy

sagittal plane

divides body into left and right sides

coronal/frontal plane

divides body into dorsal and ventral sections (top and bottom)

transverse plane

divides body into cranial and caudal sections (front and back)

dorsal

back of animal when it’s standing on its 4 legs (top section)

ventral

the belly side of an animal when its standing on 4 legs (bottom section)

cranial

structures towards the head of the animal

caudal

structures towards the tail of the animal

rostal

structures towards the muzzel a

anterior

structures closer to the front of the body or nearer the head

posterior

structures closer to the tail of the animal

proximal

structures that are closer towards the junction of the limbs with the body di

distal

structures that are located a distance away from the junction of limbs to the body

palmar

structures towards the underside of the forearm (palm of hand)

plantar

structures towards the underside/bottom surface of the foot (hind limb)

medial

structures directed towards the midline l

lateral

structures directed away from the midline (ex: directed towards the side)

axial

structures directed towards the longitudinal axis of limbs

abaxial

structures directed away from the longitudinal axis of the limbs

buccal/labial

structures or surfaces directed towards the cheek

lingual

structures directed towards the tongue m

mesial

surface directed towards the dental arch (on rostral side)

distal

surface directed away from the dental arch (on caudal side)

occlusal

refers to the grinding surface of the teeth

diastema

refers to space or gap between 2 teeth

Examples of connective tissue

fascia, mesentery, synovial, etc

fascia

soft tissue surrounding muscles and under the skin

mesentery

membranous structure that suspends intestines in the abdominal cavity

synovial

membrane; found in joints

What are the 3 main components of connective tissue

fibers, ground substance, and cells

What are the 3 types of fibers

collagenous, elastic, and reticular

collagenous fibers

are the most abundant and consists of the protein collagen; helps tissues bind together

elastic fibers

consist of the protein elastic; facilitates recoiling in structures such as arteries, lungs, etc

reticular fibers

contains the protein reticulin; provides scaffolding for other cells in structures such as the liver

ground substance

consists of formless matrix and has large carbohydrates and complexes that contain proteins and carbohydrates

cells

have two types: stationary (fibroblasts ,adipocycles) and migrating (mast cells, macrophages, ect)

loose connective tissue

most common type of tissue; supports organs and serves to provide attachment for epithelial tissue to other underlying tissue

dense connective tissue

made of bundles of collagen and fibroblasts

specialized connective tissue

ex: blood, cartilage, bone, etc