Physiology and Biochemistry in Veterinary Medicine

Course Organization

• Veterinary Medicine and Medicine are organized systematically, starting with normal knowledge, then abnormalities, treatment, and control/interventions
• The organization consists of Preclinicals, Paraclinical Sciences, Clinical Department (Medicine, Surgery, and Theriogenology), and Public Health and Preventive Medicine (control)

Veterinary Physiology

• The study of normal functions of the body and how animals respond to environmental changes
• Involves mechanisms and strategies employed by animals to ensure survival and continuity of life
• Deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (organs, tissues, or cells) and physical and chemical phenomena involved
• Historical perspective: believed to be the basis and father of medicine, with roots dating back to Hippocrates in 420 BC
• Involves understanding of systems, including Blood, Lymphatics, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Reproduction, Neurophysiology, Neuroscience, Renal Physiology, Environmental Physiology, and Comparative Physiology of exotic species
• Takes a holistic look at the organism functionally, integrating systems to give a complete outlook of the entire organism

Veterinary Biochemistry

• Studies the molecular basis of functions when they are optimal or during abnormalities
• A fundamental biological and medical science that provides understanding of cell biology, microbiology, nutrition, pharmacology, and physiology at the molecular level
• Focuses on molecules, macromolecules, organelles, cells, tissues, and whole animals
• Important for understanding nucleic acid biochemistry (basis of genetics), physiology, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, and nutrition
• Essential for Biotechnology, Clinical Biochemistry, and understanding disease processes and pathology

Learn about the important foundations of veterinary medicine with a focus on physiology and biochemistry. Understand how knowledge of normal conditions leads to identifying abnormalities, treatments, and interventions in the field. Explore how veterinary medicine is organized into preclinical, paraclinical, and clinical departments.