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Directional Terminology
A system of terms used to describe the locations and relationships of anatomical structures.
Cranial
Direction towards the head.
Proximal
Closer to the body, applicable only to extremities.
Superior
Above or higher in position.
Caudal
Direction towards the tail.
Distal
Further from the body, applicable only to extremities.
Inferior
Below or lower in position.
Rostral
Direction towards the nose, specifically in the head region.
Palmar
Refers to the palm surface of the forelimb.
Posterior
Direction towards the back.
Plantar
Refers to the sole surface of the hindlimb.
Anterior
Direction towards the front.
Dorsal
Direction towards the back.
Ventral
Direction towards the belly.
Medial
Direction towards the mid-line of the body.
Lateral
Direction away from the mid-line of the body.
Unilateral
Referring to one side.
Bilateral
Referring to both sides.
Ipsilateral
Referring to the same side.
Contralateral
Referring to the opposite side.
Anatomical Planes
Divisions of the body used to describe locations and movements.
Dorsal Plane
Separates the body into dorsal (back) and ventral (belly) parts.
Median Plane
Divides the body into equal left and right halves.
Sagittal Plane
Divides the body into left and right parts, not necessarily equal.
Transverse Plane
Divides the body into cranial (head) and caudal (tail) parts.
Epithelial Tissue
Tissue that covers surfaces, lines organs, and forms glands.
Connective Tissue
Tissue that supports and binds other tissues and organs.
Muscle Tissue
Tissue responsible for movement and force generation.
Nervous Tissue
Tissue that initiates nerve impulses for coordination.
Avascular
Lacking blood vessels, as seen in the epidermis.
Keratinocytes
Cells in the epidermis that produce keratin for protection.
Melanocytes
Cells that produce melanin for UV protection.
Langerhans Cells
Immune-supporting macrophages in the epidermis.
Merkel Cells
Sensory cells in the epidermis for touch sensation.
Stratum Corneum
The outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead keratinized cells.
Dermis
The layer of skin beneath the epidermis, composed of connective tissue.
Hypodermis
The subcutaneous layer of tissue, primarily made of adipose and areolar tissue.
Adipose Tissue
Connective tissue that stores fat and provides insulation.
Sebaceous Glands
Glands that release sebum to moisturize hair and skin.
Eccrine Sweat Glands
Glands that release substances onto the skin, primarily in paw pads.
Apocrine Sweat Glands
Glands that release substances into hair follicles.
Hair Follicle
Invagination in the epidermis from which hair grows.
Arrector Pili Muscle
Smooth muscle that causes hair to stand up.
Anal Sacs
Glands located near the anus that secrete foul-smelling substances.
Tail Glands
Glands located on the dorsal aspect of the tail, involved in animal identification.
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