Page 89 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

CHAPTER 5

Anatomy and Physiology

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Use correct terminology when describing the location of an injury or
lesion
• Identify external landmarks on animals in comparison to human
anatomy
• Locate and identify specific bones on an animal’s body
• Locate and identify the major muscles on an animal’s body
• List the nine major systems of the body, and describe the role of each
in how the body works

NAVTA SKILLS CRITERIA COVERED IN THIS CHAPTER
V. Small Animal Nursing (Large Animal Nursing -- Optional)
B. Animal care
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of:
a. small animal anatomy
b. common diseases
c. common medical conditions

Anatomy is the study of body structures that are visible to “Speaking” Anatomy

the naked eye. Physiology is the study of body functions
and how the body works together as a whole. Without There are several types of terms associated with anatomy;
solid knowledge of anatomy and physiology, the rest of there are directional terms and common anatomic terms
the information about animals, diseases, conditions, for external and internal body parts. We start with
medications, and laboratory tests will be harder to com- common anatomic terms and then move to the direc-
prehend. Consider it a foundation of your understanding tional terms. This is followed by a discussion of the
of veterinary medicine. Veterinarians and veterinary individual body systems. For each system we cover both
technicians “speak” anatomy and physiology all day, parts and function.
every day. If you don’t understand what they are talking Animal anatomy is similar to human anatomy; how-
about, how can you be helpful? ever, most animals walk on four legs! That is why they are

Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant, Fourth Edition. Teresa F. Sonsthagen.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Companion website: www.wiley.com/go/sonsthagen/tasks 73