Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 1
Curriculum guideline
Lecture: 2 hours/week
Lab: 2 hours/week
This course may include lectures, working with cadavers and live animals, demonstrations, case studies, group work, classroom presentations, flipped classroom, simulations and/or online quizzes.
- Veterinary Medical Terminology:
- vocabulary, root words, suffixes, prefixes, abbreviations and pronunciation of terms
- component parts and their use to make words; pronunciation of medical words
- basic combining forms, prefixes and suffixes
- The structure and function of cells:
- structure and function of cell membranes and various cytoplasmic and nuclear components
- major cellular processes and their significance to the cell
- difference between cellular organelles and inclusion bodies microscopically
- preparation of histological sections, including techniques for fixation and sample submission
- Comparative anatomy and physiology beyond the cellular level:
- structure and function of the four tissue types
- 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
- The integumentary system:
- the epidermis and the dermis
- composition of hair follicles, muscles, specialized glands and cells
- functions of the skin and terminology for skin conditions
- The skeletal system:
- the structure, physiology, and function of bone
- 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
- The muscular system:
- gross anatomy of muscles and microscopic anatomy of muscle tissue
- skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles and their anatomical locations
- principal muscles and muscle groups and their attachments
- physiology of muscle contraction
- The digestive system:
- major structures and functions of the alimentary canal of various species
- monogastric and ruminant digestive systems
- digestion, absorption and metabolism
- The nervous system:
- structure and function of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems
- anatomy of a neuron and the mechanism of a nerve impulse
major nerves of the peripheral nervous system
Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:
- Define veterinary medical terminology using word analysis.
- Describe anatomical structures, using appropriate terminology, and specify the locations of various organs and systems.
- Use a compound microscope, and describe and identify cell and tissue types in the body.
- Define the principles of histology.
- Identify and recognize common terms used for various species and their anatomical parts.
- Describe the components and functions of the integumentary system.
- Explain comparative anatomy and physiology of the integument and related structures.
- Identify the components of the skeleton, and describe the structure and growth of long bones.
- Describe the types and range of movements of skeletal articulations (joints).
- Describe the location, structure, and functions of the major muscles.
- Describe the gross and microanatomy of muscle tissue, and the physiology of muscle contraction.
- Describe the components and functions of the nervous system.
- Describe the anatomy of a neuron and the mechanism of a nerve impulse.
- Describe the components and functions of the digestive system, distinguishing between the monogastric and ruminant alimentary canals.
- Describe the processes of digestion, absorption and metabolism.
Evaluations will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. A final minimum cumulative grade of “C” or 60% is required in order to progress in the Veterinary Technology program.
Evaluation will be based on the following:
Quizzes (3) Each worth 15-20%
Assignments 10-30%
Final Examination 25-40%
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.