Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technicians

Study of the Animal Body

  • Anatomy: The study of form and structure.

    • Microscopic Anatomy (Histology): Study of structures requiring magnification.

    • Macroscopic (Gross) Anatomy: Study of structures visible to the naked eye.

    • Regional Anatomy: Focuses on specific body regions.

    • Systemic Anatomy: Focuses on body systems.

  • Physiology: The study of body functions.

Anatomical Planes and Directional Terminology

  • Median Plane: Divides the body into medial and lateral sections.

  • Transverse Plane: Divides the body into cranial/caudal or proximal/distal sections.

  • Dorsal Plane: Divides the body into dorsal and ventral sections.

  • Sagittal Plane: A vertical longitudinal plane dividing the body into left and right sections.

  • Rostral: Directional term specifically for the head.

  • Medial/Lateral: Toward the midline versus away from the midline.

  • Superficial (External)/Deep (Internal): Relative depth from the body surface.

  • Proximal/Distal: Closer to or further from the main body mass.

  • Distal Limb Terms:

    • Palmar: The back surface of the front limbs.

    • Plantar: The back surface of the back limbs.

Common Regional Terms

  • Equine/Large Animal: Withers, Barrel, Flank, Brisket.

  • Head: Poll, Muzzle.

  • Specific Regions: Tailhead, Brachium (upper arm).

  • Joints:

    • Knee: Refers to the front leg on small ruminants only.

    • Stifle: The back leg equivalent of the knee.

    • Carpus and Tarsus: Relevant distal limb joints.

Radiography and Positioning

  • Recumbency: Denotes the animal's lying position.

  • Dorsoventral (DV): View from the dorsal to the ventral surface.

  • Ventrodorsal (VD): View from the ventral to the dorsal surface.

  • Lateral Views: Right Lateral and Left Lateral views based on the side the animal is lying on.

Body Cavities and Serous Membranes

  • Thoracic Cavity:

    • Contents: Heart, major blood vessels, lungs, and esophagus.

    • Boundaries: Cranial thoracic inlet, dorsal thoracic vertebral bodies, ventral sternum, caudal diaphragm, and lateral ribs/costal cartilages.

  • Abdominal Cavity:

    • Contents: Digestive organs (liver, gall bladder, stomach, pancreas, intestines, colon), urinary organs (kidneys, bladder), and reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries).

    • Boundaries: Diaphragm, lumbar vertebrae, epaxial muscles, pelvic inlet, and ventral/lateral abdominal muscles.

  • Lining (Serous) Membranes:

    • Visceral Layer: Covers the outer surface of organs.

    • Parietal Layer: Lines the cavity wall.

    • Pleura: Membrane of the thoracic cavity (inflammation is Pleuritis).

    • Peritoneum: Membrane of the abdominal cavity (inflammation is Peritonitis).