Veterinary Anatomy

Veterinary Anatomy

FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

Division of Cell Sciences

VETERINARY ANATOMY - BVMS II

Curriculum for the Degree of BVMS

COURSE INFORMATION

2005-2006

Course Leader:M.PURTON

Quality Assurance Officer:M.Bain

INFORMATION FOR SECOND YEAR

COURSE IN VETERINARY ANATOMY

ACADEMIC YEAR 2005-2006

PLEASE NOTE

Items contained within this Course Information Document are sometimes unavoidably subject to change. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the correct lecture, practical, tutorial and examination schedules. Lecture venues may be changed during the Course. The Year Notice boards and email should be checked daily.

In light of student feedback and External Examiner comments the following changes have been made:

Code of Professional Conduct to Fitness to Practice. You are reminded that you will be expected to have read the above code, sign for it and implemented during your time in the course

CONTENTSPage

1.Place of the Course in the BVMS Degree Curriculum1

2.Aims of the Course in Veterinary Anatomy1

3.Learning Objectives for the Course1

4.Components of the Course (4.1 – 4.11)2-27

5.Course Content27

6.Course Texts and Required Reading28

7.Teaching Hours and Teaching Methods29

Methods of Assessment

8.1Assessment of course29

8.2Assessment of student learning30-35

8.3External Examiner35

8.4Prizes36

8.5Appeal Against Result36

8.6General Information36

9. Policy on Exemptions and Course Certification36

10. Other Important Information

10.1Student Notes37

10.2Protective Clothing37

10.3General Safety37

10.4Staff and Student Liaison38

10.5Lecturing and Anatomy Staff38

11.Timetables40-45

12.Sample Examination Papers46-54

13.Sample Questionnaires55-56

1. PLACE OF THE COURSE IN THE BVMS DEGREE CURRICULUM

Veterinary Anatomy (including histology and embryology) is a major component of both 1st and 2nd Year BVMS courses.

The aims, objectives and course content will be given in detail for the 2nd Year BVMS course.

2. aIMS OF tHE course in veterinary anatomy

It is intended that after completing the undergraduate course in Veterinary Anatomy the student will be able to progress to the paraclinical and clinical years with a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of veterinary anatomy, beginning with the development, and including ultrastructure and the microscopic anatomy as well as the gross anatomy of the domestic animals.

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR THE SECOND YEAR COURSE

On completion of the whole two year course you should have an understanding of the development, and functional gross and microscopic anatomy, of the cells, tissues, organs and body systems of both the common domesticated mammalian species and other species of considered veterinary importance. An understanding of the relevance and application of veterinary anatomy to the paraclinical and clinical years of the course should also be apparent.

The veterinary anatomy course is integrated, as far as possible, with that of veterinary physiology.

4. COMPONENTS OF THE COURSE

Introductory Session

Objectives

To continue to develop those skills initiated in First Year, i.e.
To be able to apply correct anatomical terms when giving topographical description of directional or positional anatomical detail, and to understand the nomenclature for the planes used in anatomical presentation of specimens.
To be able to correctly use the surgical instrumentation to carry out cadaver dissection.
To be able to understand the interpretation of a radiograph and an ultrasonograph.
To be able to perform simple surgical suturing techniques.

Course Content

By means of lecture/demonstration, the anatomical nomenclature referring to directional and positional topography will be given. The instruments for dissection will be demonstrated in use and there will be an explanation of the images seen on both radiographs and ultrasonographs.

Suturing classes will be held later in the year (details of the relevant instructional classes will be posted on the student noticeboards at the appropriate times).

4.1. Skin & Skin Derivatives

Learning Objectives

To be aware of the functional and clinical importance of skin as an organ.
To be able to name and describe the main tissue components of the skin, to understand its development and know the processes by which it is continuously renewed.
To understand the principles of blood supply and innervation to the skin.
To be aware of how basic skin structure may be modified in different regions of the body, and thus appreciate the regional differences in skin thickness that may be observed in the live animal.
To understand the structure of a hair, and be able to appreciate and distinguish its morphological variations.
To understand the process of hair follicle development and degeneration.
To appreciate the relationships between sebaceous glands, sweat glands and hair follicles, and understand their respective functional roles.
To be able to identify histologically skin sections from the different domesticated mammalian species.
To appreciate that nails, claws, hooves and horns are all modified skin structures.
To be aware of the range of modified skin glands found in the different domesticated mammalian species.
To understand the structure, distribution and attachment of the superficial fascia.
To be able to identify the main cutaneous muscle of the trunk, name its origin, insertion and motor nerve supply, and realise its clinical significance.

Course Content

Lectures – The functional morphology and histology of the canine integument and its derivatives will be described. Comparative details will be discussed where relevant.

Practicals – Histology laboratory classes will allow the examination of skin sections from a number of domestic mammalian species. Labelled demonstration material will also be available for consultation. The need to examine regional differences in skin morphology, and in the hair coat, in live animals as and when the opportunity arises during the course, will be stressed

4.2Respiratory System

4.2.1.Introduction to the Respiratory System – The Nose, Nasal Cavity and Nasopharynx of the Dog

Learning Objectives

To understand the functions of the respiratory system.

To distinguish conducting and respiratory parts and to understand how the anatomical structures of the former may regulate and modify the inspired air.

To be able to identify the bones of the skull which bound the nasal cavity and the important bony landmarks on the intact head and on radiographs.

To be able to identify the contents and regions of the nasal cavity, including the paranasal sinuses and to understand the functional anatomy of the nose and nasal cavity.
To be able to name the muscles which influence the nasal planum and give their motor nerve supply.
To be able to identify the nasopharynx and understand its functions and relationships with the nasal cavity, the common pharynx, the larynx and the auditory tubes.
To be able to name the major nerves which carry sensory fibres to the skin and mucosa of the nose, nasal cavity and nasopharynx and to name the blood vessels which supply the region.
To be able to identify the regional lymph nodes.

Course Content

Lectures– A brief introduction to the respiratory system and its functions will be given. The bony boundaries of the nasal cavity will be discussed to include a description of the nasal planum followed by the regions and contents of the nasal cavity and their functions, including the paranasal sinuses.

A brief description will be given of the nasolachrymal duct, the lateral nasal glands, the vomeronasal organ and the incisive duct.

The boundaries and openings of the nasopharynx will be described along with their functional significance. The blood and nerve supply and the lymphatic drainage of the region will be included.

Practicals - Each student will receive a laboratory guide with diagrams for use in the practical classes.

The nose, nasal cavity and nasopharynx will be dissected using fresh, sectioned dog heads.

Whole and sectioned skulls and dissected heads and radiographs will be available for study.

4.2.2.Comparative Features of the Nose, Nasal Cavity and Nasopharynx of the Ruminants, the Pig and the Horse

Learning Objectives

To appreciate the major differences (from the dog) in the anatomy of the nose, nasal cavity and nasopharynx of the ruminants and the pig.

To be able to identify the paranasal sinuses of these animals and to be aware of their topography particularly in relation to shooting for slaughter or euthanasia or for surgical procedures.

To be able to identify the regional lymph nodes.

To be able to identify important bony landmarks on the skull and intact head of the horse.
To understand the anatomy of the nostrils, nasal conchae and nasal meatuses of the horse and be able to visualise the path taken by a stomach tube or endoscope passed via the nasal cavity.

To be able to identify and name the paranasal sinuses of the horse and to outline their anatomical and surgical limits on the intact head.
To understand the drainage pathways of the sinuses and to be aware of their clinical significance.
To be able to identify the boundaries of the equine nasopharynx and to understand the anatomical reasons for obligatory nasal breathing in the horse.
To be able to describe the topography of the guttural pouches.
To know the important nerves, blood vessels and lymph nodes, which are in close contact with its walls, and to be aware of their clinical significance.

Course Content

Lectures – Comparative features of the nose, nasal cavity and nasopharynx in the ruminants and the pig will be described, including the paranasal sinuses of each species in relation to their clinical significance. Important features of the skull and intact horse head will be indicated with particular reference to the nostrils of the horse. Comparative features of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx of the horse will be given, stressing their clinical significance followed by a description of the anatomy of the guttural pouches, including the topography.

Practicals – Demonstration specimens of whole and sectioned skulls, embalmed and fresh heads of the ruminants and the pig will be available for study. Depending on supply, a limited number of sectioned fresh heads may be provided for dissection. A video film of the head of the ox will be shown.

Fresh, sectioned horse heads will be dissected. Demonstration specimens of horse skulls and heads will be available.

The class will be split into groups for examination of live animals. The head and neck of the dog, the horse and possibly the ox will be studied in this session and in Session 3.

4.2.3. The Larynx of the Dog and Comparative Features of the Larynx of the Horse, the Ruminants, the Pig and the Cat

Learning Objectives

To be able to understand the topography, structure and functions of the larynx.

To be able to identify the laryngeal cartilages, their articulations and ligaments, and the mucosal folds of the larynx.
To be able to identify the important extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the larynx and be aware of the movements they produce which may influence the position of the larynx as a whole, or regulate the calibre of the airway.
To be able to identify the nerves which supply the larynx and to understand their origins.
To be able to identify the laryngeal blood vessels.
To be able to identify the larynx of the cat, the ox, the sheep, the pig and the horse.
To know the specific features of the equine larynx which are of clinical significance.

Course Content

Lectures – The position, attachments, relations and functions of the larynx will be described.

Using the dog larynx as a model the following features will be described: the cartilages, articulations, ligaments, mucosal folds and cavity of the larynx ie the airway.

A brief description of the extrinsic muscles, their motor nerve supply and their actions will be given while the intrinsic muscles of the larynx will be described in more detail and their actions discussed. Also included will be the blood and nerve supply to the larynx.

Comparative features of the larynx of other domestic species will be discussed with particular attention to recognition of the larynx of the ox, the sheep and the pig. In addition the features of the horse larynx, which are of clinical significance, will be highlighted.

Practicals – Embalmed dogs will be used for a dissection of the ventral aspect of the neck. The larynx will be dissected using these dogs and sectioned dog heads. Features of the dog larynx and hyoid apparatus will be demonstrated on dissected specimens and radiographs. Comparative features of the larynx of the other domestic species will be demonstrated using fresh and embalmed specimens.

Examination of live animals in groups.

4.2.4. The Thoracic Cavity, the Diaphragm and the Pleura. The Trachea, Bronchial Tree and the Lungs of the Dog. Comparative Aspects in the Ruminants, Pig and the Horse. The Topographical Anatomy of the Thorax of the Domestic Animals.

Learning Objectives

To know which organs and structures are contained within the thorax.
To be able to describe the shape, boundaries and openings of the thoracic cavity of the domestic animals.

To be able to describe the endothoracic fascia.
To understand how the mediastinum is formed and know which organs and structures are contained therein.

To be able to describe the diaphragm, identify its parts, attachments and foramina, its blood and nerve supply, and to understand its functions.

To be able to distinguish visceral and parietal pleura and to understand the pleural cavities.
To be able to identify the reflections and recesses of the pleura and to be aware of any clinical significance.
To be able to briefly describe the histology of the pleura.
To be able to describe the structure and topography of the trachea of the dog and to know the important comparative features in the other domestic animals.
To be able to name the respiratory passages distal to the trachea.
To be able to describe the lungs, i.e. their various lobes, surfaces and borders.
To know which structures enter and leave each lung at the hilus.
To know the relationship of the lungs to other thoracic structures.
To understand the principles of bronchial and pulmonary circulation and identify the major blood vessels.

To know the pathways of lymph drainage and the position of the regional lymph nodes.
To know the main distinguishing features of the lungs of the domestic animals and to be able to recognise the lungs of the dog and cat, the horse, ox, sheep and pig.
To have an understanding of the topographical anatomy of the thorax, with particular reference to the lungs in relation to clinical examination.
To be able to visualise the position of the diaphragm and to understand the diaphragmatic line of pleural reflection.

Course Content

Lectures – The shape, boundaries, openings and contents of the thoracic cavity will be described to include the endothoracic fascia, the mediastinum and its parts and contents.

The anatomy of the diaphragm will be described and its movements and those of the thoracic wall in respiration discussed.

A description of the parietal and visceral pleura, including the histology, will be given.

The structure, including the histology, of the trachea and its course in the neck will be described and any species differences highlighted.

The bronchial tree (based on the dog) along with the bronchial and pulmonary circulation will be described.

Important comparative features of the lungs of the ruminants, the pig and the horse will be indicated, followed by a description of the topographical anatomy of the thorax of the domestic animals.

Practicals – The thorax of embalmed dogs will be opened (revising the muscles which attach the forelimb to the trunk and the muscles of the thoracic wall). The contents of the thoracic cavity will be examined and the lungs dissected. Dissected fresh specimens and radiographs will be available for study. Fresh trachea and lungs of the ox, the sheep and the pig will be dissected. Horse lungs will be demonstrated.

Two video films will be shown

The anatomy of the thoracic cavity of the horse

Auscultation and percussion in the horse thorax

Note– The radiographic anatomy and clinical examination of the thorax will be covered later in the term.

4.2.5. The Histology of the Respiratory System. Development of the Lungs

Learning Objectives

To be able to describe the mucosa of the upper respiratory passages and identify the different types of epithelium present.

To understand how the tissues of the lung are arranged and to distinguish conducting and respiratory parts.
To know what is meant by the term “respiratory epithelium”, to be able to distinguish the major cell types and know their functions.
To be able to describe the histology of the trachea, the bronchi and the bronchioles, clearly distinguishing one from the other.
To be able to describe the structure of the alveolar membrane and its major cell types and to have an understanding of the blood/air barrier.
To understand the basic principles of the defence mechanisms of the lungs.
To be able to describe briefly how the lungs develop.

Course Content

Lectures – The following will be described: the arrangement of tissues in the lung; the respiratory epithelium, its cells and their functions; the histology of the bronchi and bronchioles; the histology, including the fine structure, of the alveolar membrane; the major cell types and their functions; defence mechanisms of the lung and a brief description of the development of the lung.

Practicals – Stained sections of bronchus and adult lung will be examined. Various aspects of respiratory system histology will be demonstrated using light micrographs and transparencies, scanning and transmission electron micrographs.

4.3. Cardiovascular System

4.3.1. Gross Anatomy of the Heart and Major Vessels

Learning Objectives

To visualize the position and orientation of the heart in the thorax with reference to external anatomical landmarks, the regional anatomy of the thorax and the mediastinum.

To visualize the orientation of the heart chambers, valves and great vessels with reference to right and left sides and the long axis of the thorax.
To open the chambers of the heart systematically at post-mortem examination without losing continuity with the great vessels and without destroying the valves.

To determine by percussion the area of absolute cardiac dullness in a normal animal.
To distinguish between first and second heart sounds and to understand the principles of auscultation and the use of a stethoscope.

To recognise the position of the heart between the 3rd and 6th intercostal spaces and the relevant positions of the valves.
To be able to place a needle in the ventricular cavities and minimize the chance of trauma and pericardial haemorrhage.
To recognize the four chambers of the normal heart and the great arteries in lateral and dorsoventral radiographs.
To know the position of the normal openings in the diaphragm, and its weak points.
To gain a general understanding of the foetal circulation, the changes that take place at birth and the effect of various common anomalies on blood flow.
To understand the functional closure of the valve of the foramen ovale and of the ductus arteriosus, and the significance of patency.
To be able to locate in the live animal those vessels from which blood samples may be obtained, or materials injected.
To obtain a general understanding of major arterial and venous vessels, their distribution and functional significance.
To understand the basic histology of cardiac muscle and the various types of blood vessels.
To understand the sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways which drive the heart and control the calibre of blood vessels.
Finally, to relate the structure of the heart and blood vessels to physiological concepts.

Course Content