Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Nurses
The course is about the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the mammalian body. Dog and cat are model animals, and other domestic species are included for comparison. The anatomy part covers both gross anatomy (structures seen with the unaided eye) and the microscopic structure of organs and tissues. The physiology part deals with the function of the different organ systems of the body. Main topics will be the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, the urinary system, blood, immunity and defense, nerve- and muscle physiology, the reproductive system and the endocrine system. The teaching connects the different topics to clinical issues in veterinary medicine.
The course also includes an introduction to academic writing.
Upon sucessful completion of this course, the student is expected to posess the following knowledge, skills and general competence.
Knowledge:
- Have basic knowledge about macroscopic and topographic anatomy of the dog and cat, and the main differences to other mammalian domestic species and birds
- Know about different kinds of tissues, and the microscopic structure of the main organs and tissues
- Be familiar with the main mechanisms by which the mammalian body functions, with respect to single organs and the whole organism
- Know terminology used in anatomy and physiology
- Know how to write an academic text
Skills:
- Be able to explain the structure and function of any organ or organ system in the mammalian body by use of appropriate medical terms
- Recognize and correctly name anatomical structures on a drawing, a photo or an x-ray
- Write an academic text
General competence:
- Have gained insight into the normal structure and function of the mammalian body
- Be able to read and understand medical terms in anatomy and physiology
- Have hands-on experience with the interior anatomy of a mammal
- Be familiar with basic hygiene precautions in contact with biological material
- Be familiar with written communication of scientific knowledge
- Lectures
- Lab exercises (dissection)
- Lab reports from exercises
- Writing academic texts