Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology
Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology
This domain tests directional terminology, organ systems, normal physiology, and basic disease processes. It underpins almost every other domain.
Core rules
- Directional terms in quadrupeds: cranial toward the head, caudal toward the tail, dorsal toward the spine, ventral toward the belly, medial toward midline, lateral away, proximal and distal along a limb, palmar and plantar on the paw.
- Planes: sagittal divides left and right, transverse divides cranial and caudal, dorsal divides top and bottom.
- Ruminants have four compartments: rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum; the rumen is the fermentation vat.
- Physiology: the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs; the kidneys regulate fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.
- Pathology: the cardinal signs of inflammation are redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function; necrosis, neoplasia, and edema are common processes.
Worked example
A mass on the outer surface of the left hind limb, halfway down, is described as lateral and mid-diaphyseal, distal to the hip and proximal to the hock - not "above" or "below", which are ambiguous in a quadruped.
Traps
- Using "up" and "down" instead of dorsal and ventral.
- Confusing cranial with anterior in a standing animal.
- Mixing up palmar (front paw) and plantar (hind paw).
- Describing a lesion without specifying the limb and side.