Basic Canine & Feline Anatomy Vocabulary
Bile
a bitter liquid which aids in absorption and digestion
Electrolyte
a chemical substance which separates into ions and gives cells the energy needed to function
Sphincter Muscle
a ring of muscle which contracts to close an opening
Motor Response
activities which result in muscular reaction
Stimulus
an agent, action or condition which causes a response
Ion
an atom or group of atoms which have a positive or negative electrical charge
Pathogen
any disease causing agent, such as a virus or bacteria
Nervous System
cells, tissues and organs within the body which respond to both internal and external stimuli
Bile Salts
chemicals which aid in digestion by making vitamins easier to absorb from the small intestine
Cardiovascular System
circulatory system containing the heart and vessels which transport blood throughout the body
Lymph
clear fluid containing white blood cells that is derived from the tissues of the body
Immune System
complex set of organs and cells which identifies foreign agents and protects us from infectious agents as well as other diseases
Capillaries
connection between arteries and veins
Skeletal System
framework of bones which protect organs and support the body
Endocrine System
group of glands which regulate body activity through the secretion of hormones
Neurons
impulse conducting cells which carry and transmit electrical signals throughout the nervous system
Reproductive System
male and female organs responsible for the generation of offspring
Muscular System
organ system containing the muscles attached to bone which allow for movement
Respiratory System
organs which carry out the process of breathing
Prepuce
protective tubular sheath of skin
Enzymes
proteins produced by living organisms that cause or speed up a chemical reaction
Digestive System
set of organs within the body which break down and absorb food
Testosterone
sex hormone responsible for developing male secondary characteristics
Excretory System
system which removes wastes from the body
Implantation
the attachment of the early embryo to the lining of the uterus
Integumentary System
the covering which protects animals; includes skin and fur in dogs and cats
Metabolize
the processing of a specific substance within the living body
Tendon
tissue which serves to connect muscle with a bone
Arteries
vessels which carry blood away from the heart
Veins
vessels which carry blood to the heart
