Lecture Notes on Anatomy and Terminology

Learning Goals

• Directional Terminology: Understand and use terms to describe locations on an animal.
• Skeletal Components: Learn axial and appendicular skeleton components.
• Comparative Anatomy: Identify differences in carnivore, equine, and bovine skeletal anatomy.
• Joints and Classifications: Understand different types of joints.

Directional Terminology

• Purpose: To accurately describe observations on animals during physical examinations and medical records.
• Key Terms:
  • Cranial/Caudal: Toward the head/tail.
  • Rostral: Toward the nose (used for facial descriptions).
  • Dorsal/Ventral: Toward the spine/toward the floor when standing.
  • Medial/Lateral: Toward the midline/toward the sides.
  • Proximal/Distal: Closer to/away from the body (used for limbs).
  • Plantar/Palmar: Refers to the back/front feet touching the ground.
• Planes:
  • Transverse: Divides into cranial and caudal.
  • Sagittal: Divides into medial and lateral.

Skeletal Components

Functions of Bones

1. Support: E.g., spinal processes support the cranium.
2. Protection: E.g., ribs protect lungs and heart.
3. Leverage: Allows movement such as walking.
4. Storage: Calcium, minerals, and blood storage.
5. Blood Cell Formation: Bone marrow produces blood cells.

Types of Bones

• Flat Bones: Scapula, cranial bones.
• Short Bones: Carpus and Tarsus.
• Irregular Bones: Vertebrae, patella.
• Long Bones: Femur, radius.
• Other: Os penis, involved in specific species.

Bone Structure

• Epiphysis/Diaphysis: Ends and shaft of long bones.
• Articular Cartilage: Reduces friction at joint surfaces.
• Spongy and Compact Bone: Lightweight vs. dense structure.

Comparative Anatomy

Axial Skeleton

• Components: Skull, vertebrae, ribs, sternum.
• Skull Structures:
  • Types: Brachycephalic, mesocephalic, dolichocephalic.
  • Bones: Frontal, occipital, temporal, mandible.
  • Joints: Atlanto-occipital joint allows 'yes' motion.

Vertebral Formulae

• Carnivore: C7 T13 L7 S3 Cd5-20
• Equine: C7 T18 L5-6 S5 Cd15-21
• Bovine: C7 T13 L6 S5 Cd18-20

Appendicular Skeleton

• Front Limbs: Scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, carpals.
• Hind Limbs: Pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, tarsals.
• Digits: Number and arrangement of phalanges in different species.

Joints and Classifications

Types of Joints

• Fibrous: Non-movable, e.g., skull sutures.
• Cartilaginous: Slight movement, e.g., pubic symphysis.
• Synovial: Freely movable; examples include:
  • Hinge Joint: Elbow
  • Ball-and-Socket Joint: Hip

Synovial Joint Structure

• Articular Surface: Covered by cartilage.
• Joint Capsule: Contains synovial fluid.

Additional Concepts

Ligaments vs. Tendons

• Ligaments: Connect bone to bone.
• Tendons: Connect muscle to bone.

Special Bones

• Visceral Bones: Not attached to other bones (e.g., os penis).

Review and Study Tips

• Understanding Normals vs. Abnormals: Important for diagnosis and treatment.
• Specific Joint Examples: Recognize various joint types and their functions.