Course Description
This course is designed to provide a foundation for veterinary medical language and basic anatomy and physiology. Positional, directional and planes of body and body cavity terminology are also discussed. From the cellular to the tissue level to the gross anatomical level, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems of both small (canine, feline), avian and large (bovine, equine, ovine, caprine, porcine) animals are covered.
Course Content
- 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
Learning Activities
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.
Means of Assessment
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%
Learning Outcomes
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.
Textbook Materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.