Anatomy and Physiology
What the exam tests
Anatomy and Physiology tests directional terminology, body systems, species differences, and normal function.
Core rules
- Directional terms: cranial/caudal, dorsal/ventral, medial/lateral, proximal/distal, superficial/deep.
- Skeletal regions: axial and appendicular; know common fractures and joint structures.
- Cardiovascular: heart chambers, valves, circulation, and cardiac output = heart rate × stroke volume.
- Respiratory: upper versus lower airway, alveolar gas exchange, and negative-pressure breathing.
- Species differences: ruminant stomach compartments, avian air sacs, and feline and canine dental formulas.
Worked example
A dog has a heart rate of 120 beats/min and stroke volume of 50 mL. Cardiac output = 120 × 50 = 6,000 mL/min, or 6 L/min. If stroke volume falls with hemorrhage, heart rate rises to compensate; understand the relationship rather than memorizing one number.
Traps
- Confusing proximal and distal on a limb.
- Mixing left and right on radiographs; the marker defines the side.
- Applying dog anatomy directly to cats or ruminants.
- Forgetting that the diaphragm separates thoracic and abdominal cavities.
- Treating physiology as isolated facts; link structure to function.