Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy — Key Concepts and Terminology (Vocabulary)

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms, definitions, and concepts from the lecture notes on veterinary anatomy and related terminology.

Anatomy

The study of the form, arrangement, and structure of the tissues and organs that compose the body; origin from the Greek word anatemnein meaning 'to dissect' or 'to cut apart'.

Dissection

Traditional method in anatomy involving cutting apart structures to study their form and relationships.

Modern focus of anatomy

Emphasizes the interrelation of form and function and its clinical applications.

Developmental anatomy

Study of the developmental stages of an organism from conception to old age.

Functional anatomy

Focuses on how structure relates to function.

Systematic anatomy

Study of organ groups by function, such as digestive or cardiovascular systems.

Macroscopic (Gross) anatomy

Structures visible to the naked eye, often studied via dissection.

Microscopic anatomy

Structures visible only with a microscope.

Regional (Topographic) anatomy

Study of form and relationships of all organs in specific body regions; important for surgeons and pathologists.

Comparative anatomy

Examines anatomical similarities, differences, and correlations across species.

Observational approaches

Live-animal observation of contours, proportions, posture, and landmarks.

Palpation

Tactile examination by feeling surfaces and structures.

Percussion

Tapping to assess underlying structures.

Auscultation

Listening to internal body sounds, often with a stethoscope.

Endoscopy

Visual examination of inside passages or organs using an endoscope.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Advanced X-ray imaging with computer reconstruction into slices; good for bones and soft tissues; requires immobilization.

Ultrasound (Sonography)

Imaging that uses sound waves to create 2D images from tissue echoes.

Radiographic anatomy

Anatomy as seen on X-ray images, where dense tissues appear white and soft tissues/gas appear darker.

Corrosion casting

A technique to study branching patterns of vessels by casting them in a material that hardens.

Electromyography (EMG)

Measurement of electrical activity of muscles.

Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV)

International, mostly Latin veterinary anatomy vocabulary; aims to reduce confusion; one term per concept; prefer short, descriptive terms and avoid eponyms.

NAV guidelines—one term per concept

Each anatomical concept ideally has a single, unambiguous term.

NAV guidelines—short and descriptive

Terms should be concise, simple, and informative.

NAV guidelines—avoid eponyms

Avoid naming terms after people to prevent ambiguity.

Median plane

Plane that divides the body longitudinally into equal right and left halves.

Sagittal plane

Planes parallel and lateral to the median plane.

Transverse plane

Planes that divide the body transversely, perpendicular to the median/sagittal planes.

Dorsal plane

Planes parallel to the dorsal body surface, creating symmetrical sides.

Rostral

Direction toward the tip of the nose; used mainly in the head region.

Cranial

Direction toward the head.

Caudal

Direction toward the tail.

Proximal

Toward the trunk (torso) of the body.

Distal

Away from the trunk; farther from the body’s center.

Palmar

Surface of the manus (hand) that faces caudally in the normal standing posture.

Plantar

Surface of the pes (foot) that faces caudally in the normal standing posture.

Medial

Toward the median plane.

Lateral

Away from the median plane.

Brachycephalic

Short, wide-headed skull type (e.g., Boston Terrier, Pug, English Bulldog).

Dolichocephalic

Long, narrow-headed skull type (e.g., Collie, Greyhound).

Mesaticephalic

Medium proportions skull type; most breeds (e.g., German Shepherd, Beagle).

Canis familiaris

Domestic dog species; taxonomy from Kingdom to Species (Animalia, Chordata, Mammalia, Carnivora, Canidae, Canis, familiaris).

Integumentary system

Skin, hair, claws, pads, and glands.

Skeletal system

Framework; protects organs; lever for muscles; stores minerals; includes axial and appendicular divisions; may include heterotopic bones (e.g., os penis).

Muscular system

Muscle tissues that contract for movement, posture, respiration, and heat production; has origin (fixed) and insertion (movable) points.

Nervous system

Detects environmental changes; integrates information; produces responses; comprises CNS (brain and spinal cord) and PNS (cranial and spinal nerves).

Cardiovascular system

Heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic system; delivers metabolic fuel and removes waste.

Urogenital apparatus

Urinary and reproductive organs grouped by common embryologic origin.

Breed conformation

External appearance that may not reflect underlying skeletal/muscular development; musculature often more influential.

Nasal plate

Moist, bare skin around the nostrils with a unique pattern (nose printing).