Introduction to Anatomy

Glands that release their products directly into the bloodstream without ducts.

Glands that release their products onto an epithelial surface through ducts.

A state of balance among all the body systems needed for survival and function.

The process of maintaining balance within the body's systems.

A type of exocrine gland that releases products without losing any significant portion of the cell.

A type of exocrine gland that releases products by the entire cell disintegrating.

Substances produced by endocrine glands that regulate body functions.

The control of body functions through the release of hormones into the bloodstream.

Refers to the flexor or caudal surface of the thoracic limb (forelimb).

Refers to the caudal surface of the pelvic limb (hindlimb).

Describes a combined movement involving both flexion/extension and abduction/adduction. It essentially produces a circular motion.

Refers to a position where the dorsal aspect of the body or any extremity is uppermost.

The act of turning toward a prone position.

Refers to a position where the ventral aspect of the body or palmar/plantar surface of an extremity is uppermost.

The act of turning toward a supine position.

Decreases the angle of a joint, like bending your elbow or finger.

Increases the angle of a joint, like straightening your elbow or finger.

Extends a joint beyond a straight configuration. The angle of the joint is extended beyond 180 degrees.

Moves a body part toward the median plane, like tucking a limb under your body.

Moves a body part away from the median plane, like pulling a limb to the side.

Moves a structure cranially or rostrally, or away from the central body, like sticking your tongue out.

Moves a structure back toward the body, like retracting your tongue.

Moves a structure dorsally, like shrugging your shoulder or opening your eyelid.

Cardiac muscle is a type of muscle tissue found only in the heart. It's responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.

Cardiac muscle is known as "involuntary striated muscle" because we don't consciously control its contractions, but it has a striped appearance under a microscope.

Cardiac muscle cells are arranged in a branched, complex network to help coordinate the heart's contractions.

Purkinje fibers are specialized muscle cells that conduct electrical impulses within the heart, helping to synchronize its contractions.

Serum is a component of blood that remains after a clot forms. It lacks most of the clotting factors but contains antibodies.

Serum is sometimes used in medical treatments because it contains antibodies that can help fight infection.

Neurons are specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses throughout the body.

Axons conduct impulses away from the neuron cell body while dendrites conduct impulses towards the cell body.

The specialized wrapping created by Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes around nerve fibers, enhancing signal transmission.

Bundles of axons, the long, slender extensions of nerve cells, that carry signals throughout the body.

A type of connective tissue found only in the central nervous system (CNS), providing structural support and regulating the environment of neurons.

Type of muscle tissue found attached to bones, responsible for voluntary movement and characterized by its striated appearance.

Type of muscle tissue found in the walls of internal organs, responsible for involuntary movements like digestion and blood pressure regulation.

The serous membrane that surrounds the abdominal and part of the pelvic viscera, providing lubrication and protection.

The part of the serous membrane covering the viscera, providing lubrication and protection.

The study of bones.

A layer of hyaline cartilage found within the metaphysis of developing bones. Responsible for lengthwise growth of bones.

The dense, hard outer layer of most bones, providing strength and protection. It makes up the shaft of long bones.

A fibrous membrane covering the outer surface of bones (except at joint surfaces) and containing bone-forming cells.

A fibrous membrane lining the marrow cavity and canals of bones.

Specialized bone-forming cells responsible for increasing the diameter of bones.

Specialized bone-destroying cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue.

Thin layer of hyaline cartilage that covers the joint surface of a bone, reducing friction and shock.

Projections or bumps on bones.

Depressions or indentations on the surface of bones.

A smooth, flat surface on a bone, often used for articulation with another bone. Think of a facet like a small, smooth platform that allows bones to connect and move smoothly against each other.

A narrow, cleft-like opening between adjacent bones. Imagine a fissure like a small crack or gap between two puzzle pieces.

An opening through a bone. Think of a foramen as a hole or passageway that allows nerves, blood vessels, or other structures to pass through.

A small hollow or depression in a bone. Think of a fossa as a small indentation in a bone, like a little pit or valley.

A shallow, nonarticular depression in a bone. Think of a fovea as a small, flat indentation unlike a facet, which is smooth.

A long, narrow furrow on a bone that accommodates a vessel, nerve, or tendon. Imagine a groove like a small channel or ditch.

A rounded articular process on a bone. Think of a head as the rounded end of a bone, often meant for articulation with another bone.

A small, pointed projection on a bone. Think of a process as a small bump or outgrowth on a bone, often providing attachment for muscles or tendons.