EDIVET Week 2 – Basic Canine Anatomy & Directional Terms

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering key canine anatomical terms, directional terminology, body planes, skeletal divisions, major bones, and joints introduced in EDIVET Week 2 supportive material.

What are the two major divisions of the skeleton?

The axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

Which parts make up the axial skeleton?

Head (skull and mandible), vertebral column, sternum, and ribs.

Which body parts belong to the appendicular skeleton?

The forelimbs and hindlimbs.

Name the bones of the forelimb from proximal to distal.

Scapula, humerus, radius and ulna, carpal bones, metacarpals, and phalanges (digits).

Name the bones of the hindlimb from proximal to distal.

Hip bones, femur, tibia and fibula, tarsal bones, metatarsals, and phalanges (digits).

How many cervical vertebrae does a dog have?

Seven (C1–C7).

How many thoracic vertebrae are present in the dog?

Thirteen (T1–T13).

How many lumbar vertebrae are found in the dog?

Seven (L1–L7).

How many vertebrae fuse to form the sacrum in the dog?

Three (S1–S3).

Up to how many coccygeal (caudal) vertebrae can a dog have?

Up to twenty (Co1–Co20).

Which joint connects the humerus with the radius and ulna?

The elbow joint.

Which joint connects the femur to the tibia and fibula and contains the patella?

The stifle joint (equivalent to the human knee).

What is the common term for the patella?

The knee cap.

What joint is formed between the femur and the hip bones?

The hip joint.

What are the long bones distal to the carpal joint called?

Metacarpals.

What bones make up the digits of both forelimb and hindlimb?

Phalanges.

Which directional terms are used above the carpus and tarsus to indicate ‘toward the head’ and ‘toward the tail’?

Cranial (toward the head) and caudal (toward the tail).

Which terms replace cranial and caudal below the carpus on the forelimb and below the tarsus on the hindlimb?

Dorsal (top of the paw) and palmar (ground-contact surface of the forepaw) or plantar (ground-contact surface of the hindpaw).

Which directional term describes the ‘top’ surface of the paw below the carpus/tarsus?

Dorsal.

Which directional term describes the ground-contact surface of the forepaw?

Palmar.

Which directional term describes the ground-contact surface of the hindpaw?

Plantar.

What plane divides the body into equal right and left halves?

The median plane (mid-sagittal plane).

Which body regions together make up the trunk?

The thorax and the abdomen.

In Dyce, Sack & Wensing’s terminology, what does the term ‘head’ include?

Both the skull and the mandible together.

Which veterinary anatomy textbook’s terminology is followed in this course?

Dyce, Sack & Wensing’s “Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy.”