Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology I

The major topics in the course include the following:

1. Veterinary medical terminology:

-  component parts and pronunciation of medical words

-  meaning of basic combining forms, prefixes and suffixes

-  use of component parts to build medical words

   2.  The structure and function of cells:

-  structure and function of cell membranes and various cytoplasmic and nuclear components

-  an explanation of the major cellular processes and their significance to the cell

-  using a binocular microscope, differentiate between cellular organelles and inclusion bodies

-  understand the methodology of preparing histological sections, including techniques for fixation and sample submission

   3. Comparative anatomy and physiology beyond the cellular level:

-  the structure and function of the four tissue types

-  the major body systems, their major organs, and the general function of each organ

-  directional terms as they relate to various species

-  dental anatomy and physiology

   4. The integumentary system:

-  vocabulary, root words, suffixes, prefixes, abbreviations and pronunciation of terms

-  the identification and description of the components of the epidermis and the dermis

-  composition of hair follicles, muscles, specialized glands and cells

-  functions of the skin and terminology for skin reactions and pathological disease

   5. The skeletal system:

-  vocabulary, root words, suffixes, prefixes, abbreviations and pronunciation of terms

-  the structure, physiology, and function of bone

-  the changes in skeletal structure during growth and development (ossification)

-  detailed comparative anatomy of the skeletal and accessory structures

-  axial and appendicular  skeleton and joints of various species

   6. The muscular system:

-  vocabulary, root words, suffixes, prefixes, abbreviations and pronunciation of terms

-  the gross anatomy of muscles and microscopic anatomy of muscle tissue

-  differentiation between skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles and their anatomical locations

-  the identification of the principal feline muscles and muscle groups and their attachments

-  the physiology of muscle contraction

   7. The digestive system:

-  vocabulary, root words, suffixes, prefixes, abbreviations and pronunciation of terms

-  identify and describe major structures and functions of the alimentary canal of various species

-  distinguish between monogastric and ruminant digestive systems

-  describe the process of digestion, absorption and metabolism

   8. The nervous system:

-  vocabulary, root words, suffixes, prefixes, abbreviations and pronunciation of terms

-  understand the structure and function of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems

-  describe the anatomy of a neuron and the mechanism of a nerve impulse

-  locate and name major nerves of the peripheral nervous system