Basic Canine and Feline Anatomy - Vocabulary

Cardiovascular System

circulatory system containing the heart and vessels which transport blood throughout the body

Digestive System

set of organs within the body which break down and absorb food

Endocrine System

group of glands which regulate body activity through the secretion of hormones

Excretory System

system which removes wastes from the body

Immune System

complex set of organs and cells which identifies foreign agents and protects us from infectious agents as well as other diseases

Integumentary System

the covering which protects animals; includes skin and fur in dogs and cats

Muscular System

organ system containing the muscles attached to bone which allow for movement

Nervous System

cells

Reproductive System

male and female organs responsible for the generation of offspring

Respiratory System

organs which carry out the process of breathing

Skeletal System

framework of bones which protect organs and support the body

Arteries

vessels which carry blood away from the heart

Veins

vessels which carry blood to the heart

Capillaries

connection between arteries and veins

Bile Salts

chemicals which aid in digestion by making vitamins easier to absorb from the small intestine

Enzymes

proteins produced by living organisms that cause or speed up a chemical reaction

Sphincter Muscle

a ring of muscle which contracts to close an opening

Bile

a bitter liquid which aids in absorption and digestion

Stimulus

an agent

lon

an atom or group of atoms which have a positive or negative electrical charge

Electrolyte

a chemical substance which separates into ions and gives cells the energy needed to function

Metabolize

the processing of a specific substance within the living body

Pathogen

any disease causing agent

Lymph

clear fluid containing white blood cells that is derived from the tissues of the body

Motor Response

activities which result in muscular reaction

Neurons

impulse conducting cells which carry and transmit electrical signals throughout the nervous system

Implantation

the attachment of the early embryo to the lining of the uterus

Testosterone

sex hormone responsible for developing male secondary characteristics

Prepuce

protective tubular sheath of skin

Tendon

tissue which serves to connect muscle with a bone