ANSWERS

1. Define anatomy.
   The science of the structure of the body.
2. Define physiology.
   The science of the functioning of living organisms; or more simply, how the body works.
3. Briefly describe the skeletal system.
   The rigid structures that support and protect the soft structures of the body. It comprises bone, cartilage and the tissues that make up the joints.
4. Briefly describe the muscular system.
   The muscle attached to the skeletal system which is under voluntary (conscious) control.
   NB. The muscular tissue elsewhere in the body is not under conscious control and is therefore known as involuntary muscle.
5. Describe the following: cell, tissue, organ and system.
   • Cell - the basic structural unit of living organisms; a microscopic mass of protoplasm, consisting of a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm enclosed within a cell membrane. All organic tissues are constructed from cells.
   • Tissue - a group of similarly specialised cells that together perform special functions.
   • Organ - An independent structure composed of various tissues which together perform a specialised function.
   • System - A group of tissues and organs which together have a specific function.
6. List the 3 types of system and give examples of each.
   • Structural - skeletal system, muscular system, integument (the covering of the body i.e. skin, hair and claws).
   • Co-ordinating - nervous system, endocrine system.
   • Visceral - digestive system, respiratory system, urogenital system (urinary and reproductive systems).
7. A good understanding of the anatomical directions used in veterinary science is essential. Explain the following terms: distal, proximal, caudal, cranial, ventral, dorsal, palmar, plantar and rostral.
   • Distal - away from the body.
   • Proximal - towards the body.
   • Caudal - towards the tail.
   • Cranial - towards the head.
   • Ventral - towards the abdomen; the side of the body nearest to the ground in a standing animal.
   • Dorsal - towards the back; the side of the body furthest from the ground in a standing animal.
     Dorsal also describes the "top" of the limbs, as opposed to the underside, which are referred to as palmar or plantar.
   • Palmar - describes the underside of the forelimb below the metacarpal joint.
   • Plantar - describes the underside of the hindlimb below the tibiotarsal joint.
   • Rostral - towards the nose.
8. What is the difference between medial and lateral?
   Medial means towards the centre midline of the body, whilst lateral means towards the sides.
9. What are the terms used to describe relative distances from the surface of the body?
   • Superficial - close to the surface of the body.
   • Deep - far from the surface of the body.
10. What are the terms used to describe relative depths within the organs and body cavities?
    • Internal.
    • External.
11. List 5 functions of the skeletal system.
    • Support of the body.
    • Provision of leverage for locomotion.
    • Protection of the soft organs such as the brain, heart and lungs.
    • Provision of a mineral store, particularly calcium and phosphorous.
    • Erythropoeisis (the manufacture of red blood corpuscles which takes place in the red bone marrow).
12. State the 3 types of skeleton and briefly describe each.
    • Axial - comprising the skull, vertebral column, tail, ribs and sternum.
    • Appendicular - the parts of the body that are appended (attached) to the trunk, comprising the limbs and pelvic/pectoral girdle.
    • Splanchnic - bones that develop in the soft tissue remote from the rest of the skeleton, comprising the os penis or os clitoridis.
      
      NB. The cow has a bone in the heart called the os cordis.