Body Systems & Common Conditions- Veterinary Science

Body systems to know and memorize. For New Horizons Veterinary Science class.

Respiratory System

Provides the body with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide

Organs Associated with the Respiratory System

Nose, mouth, trachea, bronchi, lungs

Common Conditions/Diseases of the Respiratory System

• canine distemper

• equine influenza

• bovine respiratory disease

Circulatory System

Pumps and delivers blood to the body’s tissues

Organs Associated with the Circulatory System

Heart, arteries, veins, and blood

Common Conditions/Diseases of the Circulatory System

• heartworm

• heart disease

• hypertension

Digestive System

Breaks down food into simple substances which can be absorbed by the body

Organs Associated with the Digestive System

Esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum

The Four Types of Digestive Systems

Monogastric (simple), ruminant (polygastric), hindgut-fermenter, avian

Characteristics of a Monogastric System

• single-chambered stomach

• found in humans, swine, dogs, and cats

Characteristics of a Ruminant System

• a.k.a. polygastric

• contains one large stomach divided into 4 components (rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum)

• found in cattle, sheep, and goats

Characteristics of a Hindgut-Fermenter System

• found in animal who eat large amounts of roughage (i.e. hay)

• similar to ruminants, but does not have stomachs with several components

• found in horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters

Characteristics of an Avian System

• very fast process

• esophagus empties into the crop, where food is stored, then the gizzard grinds with stones or grit

Common Conditions/Diseases of the Digestive System

• colitis

• colic

• gastroenteritis

Endocrine System

Produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue and sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood

Organs Associated with the Endocrine System

Pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, and testicles

Common Conditions/Diseases of the Endocrine System

• hyper/hypofunction

• hyperthyroidism

• fatty liver disease

Immune System

Defends the body against infectious organisms and other invaders

Organs Associated with the Immune System

Lymphatic system, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow

Common Conditions/Diseases of the Immune System

autoimmune disease

Integumentary System

Protects the animal’s body from disease by providing a barrier to viruses and bacteria. Protects the body from dehydration, overheating, or freezing

Organs Associated with the Integumentary System

Hair, feathers, scales, nails, hooves, horns, and skin

Common Conditions/Diseases of the Integumentary System

• mange

• rainrot

• ringworm

Nervous System

Transmits signals to different parts of the animal’s body and operates basic body functions

Organs Associated with the Nervous System

The central nervous system- brain and spinal cord

The peripheral nervous system- nerves and ganglia

Common Conditions/Diseases of the Nervous System

• peripheral neuropathy

• equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM)

• listeriosis

Skeletal System

Protects and supports the body tissues and organs. Made up of bones and other connective tissues

Common Conditions/Diseases of the Skeletal System

• osteochondrosis

• hip dysplasia

• fractures

Reproductive System

Consists of reproductive organs within animals that work together for the purpose of animal reproduction

Organs Associated with the Reproductive System

Females- Ovaries, uterus, vagina, vulva, utter

Males- Penis, testes

Common Conditions/Diseases of the Reproductive System

• infertility

• dystocia