Topic 3021
Introduction to Animal
Anatomy/Physiology
By: Lori Chamberlain
How is animal anatomy and
physiology useful?
•Helpful for those raising and/or showing animals
of any kind
•Helpful in preparing for various Career
Development Events
•Current or future job
•Future high school and college courses - biology,
etc.
Definitions
ANATOMY
structural makeup especially of an organism or
any of its parts
PHYSIOLOGY
the study of body organ function individually or
in conjunction with other organs
Anatomy Terms
3 terms meaning towards the animal’s head
cranial
anterior
superior
2 terms meaning towards the animal’s tail
caudal
posterior
Anatomy Terms
Dorsal means toward or beyond the backbone
Vertical or inferior means the front or lower
part of the animal
Bonus Anatomy Terms
Distal means far from the body part in
question
Proximal means close to the specific area of
the body in question
Superficial means close to the skin or body
surface
Final Notes
• All farm animals are classified as
vertebrates (having a spinal column)
• Traditional farm animals are bilateral
symmetry (right and left sides are nearly
identical)