Terminology

DIRECTIONAL TERMS

  • Anterior: At or near the front of the body.

  • Buccal: Inner surfaces of the cheeks.

  • Caudal: Towards the tail.

  • Cranial: Towards the head.

  • Distal: Direction away from the point of origin.

  • Dorsal: Back.

  • Inferior: Lower part of the structure (bottom view looking up).

  • Lateral: The side, away from the midline of the body.

  • Medial: The middle, toward the midline of the body.

  • Palmar: Bottom of the animal's front foot.

  • Plantar: Bottom of the animal's hind foot.

  • Posterior: At or near to the back of the body.

  • Proximal: Front/closer.

  • Rostral: Towards the nose.

  • Sagittal plane: Plane that divides the body vertically into right and left parts.

  • Superficial: Closest to the surface of the body.

  • Superior: Upper part of a structure (top view, looking down).

  • Transverse plane: Plane that divides the body horizontally into superior and inferior parts.

GENERAL VETERINARY KNOWLEDGE

  • Abrasion: Irritation of the skin or mucous membrane.

  • Anemia: Red blood cell deficiency.

  • Anesthetic: Causing a loss of feeling.

  • Antibiotic: Destroys or inhibits disease-causing bacteria.

  • Antibody: Counters antigens produced by the body.

  • Anticoagulant: Hinders blood clotting.

  • Antigen: Stimulates the body's immune system.

  • Antiseptic: Prevents growth of microorganisms.

  • Apnea: Cessation of breathing.

  • Arthritis: Joint inflammation.

  • Biopsy: Removal and examination of tissues for diagnosis.

  • Cardiomyopathy: Chronic heart disorder.

COMMON SUFFIXES

  • -algia: Pain.

  • -opathy: Disease or disorder.

  • -cyte: Cell.

  • -penia: Deficiency.

  • -ectomy: Surgical removal.

  • -phagia: Eating or swallowing.

  • -itis: Inflammation.

  • -megaly: Enlargement.

ANATOMICAL ROOTS

  • Aden/o-: Gland.

  • Arthr/o-: Joint.

  • Cardi/o-: Heart.

  • Cyst/o-: Bladder.

  • Dermat/o-: Skin.

  • Gastr/o-: Stomach.

  • Hemat/o-, Hem/o-: Blood.

LOCATIONAL PREFIXES

  • Ante-: Before, forward.

  • Endo-: Within, inner.

  • Inter-: Between.

  • Intra-: Within.

  • Sub-: Beneath, less than.

  • Supra-: Above, upper.