Introduction to Veterinary Anatomical Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational terms, planes, and positional terminology introduced in the CVM 710 Veterinary Anatomy course.

Anatomy

The study of the structure and shape of the body; from the Greek for “cutting apart”.

Systemic anatomy

Branch of anatomy that studies the structures composing a body system that work together to perform a specific function.

Topographic (regional) anatomy

Branch of anatomy in which the body is studied by specific regions and the relationships of the structures within each region.

Anatomical position

Standard veterinary reference posture: four limbs weight-bearing, neck extended, head directed forward.

Dorsal (body)

Toward the top or back of the head, neck, trunk, or tail; also the front/top surface of the limb distal to the carpus or tarsus.

Ventral

Toward the underside or belly of the head, neck, trunk, or tail.

Cranial

Toward the head; describes the front surface of limbs proximal to the carpus and tarsus.

Caudal

Toward the tail; describes the back surface of limbs proximal to the carpus and tarsus.

Palmar

Back (caudal) surface of the manus (forepaw) distal to the carpus.

Plantar

Back (caudal) surface of the pes (hindpaw) distal to the tarsus.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline; toward the left or right side of the body.

Proximal

Toward the body or point of limb attachment.

Distal

Away from the body or point of limb attachment.

Axial

Surface of a digit that faces the longitudinal axis (between the 3rd and 4th digits).

Abaxial

Surface of a digit that faces away from the longitudinal axis.

Median plane

Vertical plane that divides the head, neck, trunk, and tail into equal right and left halves.

Sagittal plane

Any plane parallel to the median plane that divides the body into unequal right and left portions.

Transverse plane

Plane that transects a body part perpendicular to its own long axis, producing cranial/caudal or proximal/distal sections.

Dorsal plane

Plane parallel to dorsal surfaces that divides the body into dorsal and ventral parts or limbs into dorsal and palmar/plantar parts.

Rostral

Toward the nose; term used only within the head region.

Internal

Situated within a body cavity.

External

Situated outside a body cavity.

Dorsal recumbency

Position in which the animal lies on its back.

Ventral (sternal) recumbency

Position in which the animal lies on its sternum/belly.

Lateral recumbency

Position in which the animal lies on its side.