Introduction to the Course

Anatomical Planes
Basis of Anatomical Variation

Dr Hafsa Zaneb
Chairperson / Associate Professor
Department of Anatomy and Histology
 Learning Outcomes
1. Narrate Course Code, Course Title, Credit Hours and Learning Outcomes of
this course

2. Define and describe anatomy and its branches.

3. Demonstrate understanding of the significance of subject of ‘anatomy’ in
DVM program
4. Define and describe anatomical planes
5. Describe the basis for anatomical variation
 What does ANAT 02101 & 3(1-2) indicate?

ANAT Anatomy & Histology

02 – DVM
Course Code: ANAT 02101 1- 1st Semester
01- 1st Course in Semester Scheme

Course Title Veterinary Anatomy - I

3– 3 Classes (Th+Pr) in a week (3x20=60 marks)
Credit Hours 3(1-2) 1- 1 Theory in a week (1x20=20 marks)
2- 2 Practicals in a week (2x20=40 marks)
Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to

1. Define and describe directional terms and bone surface modifications

2. Describe structure and relationship of bones, joints, muscles, nerves and blood
vessels of forelimb and hindlimb (Practical only).
3. Describe structure of components of common integument, lymphatic and
nervous system.
4. Indicate topographical location of skeletal and associated soft structures on live
animals (Practical only).

LO: Narrate Course Code, Course Title, Credit Hours and Learning
Outcomes of this course 
 Text & Recommended Books for the
Course: Theory
Text book:
Koenig, H. E. and H-G. Liebich, 2009. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic Animals, Text book
and Colour Atlas. Schattauer, Germany.

Recommended books:
1. Pasquini C., T. Spurgeon, and S. Pasquini, 2007. Anatomy of Domestic Animals –Systemic
and Regional approach. Soudz, U.S.A.
2. Getty, R., S. Sisson and J. D. Grossman, 1986. The Anatomy of the Domestic Animals. W.B.
Saunders Co. Philadelphia, U.S.A.
3. Haward., E. and D. Alexander, 2000. Guide to the Dissection of the Dog. W.B. Saunders
Co. U.S.A.
 What is meant by Anatomy and are there any
subdivisions?

• Definition – Greek origin ana + tome (to cut apart)

(deals with form, structure, topography and the functional interaction of the tissues and organs)

• Subdivisions
– Gross / Macroscopic Anatomy
– Microscopic Anatomy (Cytology and Histology)
– Developmental Anatomy (Embryology and Ontology)
– Teratology
– Morbid Anatomy or Pathology
– Applied Anatomy
– Surface Anatomy LO: Define and describe anatomy and its 
– Comparative Anatomy branches.
– Veterinary Anatomy
– Special Anatomy

• Methods of study
– Systemic Anatomy – Osteology, Myology, Arthrology, Angiology, Neurology, Splanchnology
– Topographic Anatomy- relative position and functional interaction
 Why study Anatomy?

Surgery
Clinic

Livestock
Medicine
Manage-
Clinic
ment

LO: Demonstrate understanding of Anatomy

the significance of subject of (Normal
‘anatomy’ in DVM program form)
Therio-
Pathology genology
Clinic

 Physiology
 What are ‘Anatomical Planes’?

Median Plane

Sagittal Plane

Median Plane: Divides the animal’s body into EQUAL right and left halves
Sagittal Plane: Parallel to median plane (can be more than one)
 What are ‘Anatomical Planes’?

Transverse Plane: At right angle to the long axis of the body / body part
 What are ‘Anatomical Planes’?

Dorsal / Frontal / Horizontal Plane: At right angle to Median and Transverse Planes

LO: Define and describe anatomical planes


 What makes the animals similar?

4 morphological principles

ZYGOMORPHISM
– Each animal can be divided into right and left halves or
antimeres
– Structural and functional asymmetry exists between two
halves

METAMERISM
– Organs or structures are arranged in segments in a linear
longitudinal series (Homodynamical structures)
– Cranial vs Caudal poles
What makes the animals similar?

4 morphological principles
TUBULATION
Presence of dorsal and ventral body tubes in vertebrates

STRATIFICATION
Governs arrangement of organs and their parts in layers
e.g. 3 embryonic layers, blood vessels, skin etc.
More on structural and functional
similarity

Homology – origin /structural similarity

Analogy – functional similarity

 What is Anatomical ‘Normal’?
Normal - Observed in > 50% population, optimal function, supported by natural
selection

Variation – Slight deviation from the normal pattern -compatible with normal
function
e.g. increase/decrease in no/modification

Variability within limits of the species is a RULE

Rarity – Occurs in <5% population

Anomaly - Severe deviation from the normal pattern along with impairment of
function e.g harelip, cleft palate

Monstrosity – Extreme deviation from the normal pattern, incompatible with

life
 What makes animal different from each other?
GENERAL FACTORS OF VARIATION

Age

• Thymus gland…fully developed in young ones and regressed in adult

• Abrasion or modification in incisor crown of
equines, bovines and carnivores
• More horn rings in old bovines
• White hair on head of aged equines
 What makes animal different from each other?
GENERAL FACTORS OF VARIATION

Race / Strains

Bos indicus Bos taurus

 What makes animal different from each other?
GENERAL FACTORS OF VARIATION

Race / Strains
 What makes animal different from each other?
GENERAL FACTORS OF VARIATION

Race / Strains
What makes animal different from each other?

GENERAL FACTORS OF VARIATION

Race / Strains
 What makes animal different from each other?
General factors of variation

Gender Bony pelvis, canine teeth, fowl plumage, spur etc.

Biotype Differences in physiology, genetics etc. of individuals

Environment Important for expressions of economic traits

Evolution

Variability and selection

Specific variation Absence of gall bladder in horses, presence of os-penis in

dogs and rumen in cows etc.

Ch: Anatomical Variation – R Getty


LO: Describe the basis for anatomical variation
 Learning Outcomes
1. Narrate Course Code, Course Title, Credit Hours and Learning Outcomes of
this course

2. Define and describe anatomy and its branches.

3. Demonstrate understanding of the significance of subject of ‘anatomy’ in
DVM program
4. Define and describe anatomical planes
5. Describe the basis for anatomical variation
 Sample Questions

Define ……….. (Gross / Macroscopic Anatomy, Cytology, Histology,

Developmental Anatomy, Embryology, Ontology, Teratology, Morbid
Anatomy, Pathology, Applied Anatomy, Surface Anatomy, Comparative
Anatomy, Veterinary Anatomy, Special Anatomy, Systemic Anatomy,
Topographic Anatomy……etc.)

Define / Draw labelled diagram to indicate the ………… plane (Median,

Sagittal, Transverse, Dorsal etc.)

Exemplify Zygomorphism, Metamerism.

How does Anomaly differ from Monstrosity?
Describe the general factors of variations in animal form with one
example each.