Animal Anatomy and Physiology 101

Many careers in veterinary science begin with ainto fields of scientific research like cloning and stem
Bachelor's degree in a major that is closely related,cell studies.
like math or science. Many 4-year colleges offerAnatomy and physiology have to do with the
graduate programs in veterinary sciences. Basicorganization of the physical body. Living organisms
coursework includes anatomy, animal physiology,sense their environment, move, feed, respire (burn
biochemistry and bacteriology, molecular and cellularfuel to produce energy), excrete and reproduce. All
biology, animal disease management, and genetics ofliving organisms are composed of cells formed into
farm animals just to name a few.tissues that in turn form organs and body systems.
Veterinary specialists perform many tasks rangingAll these body systems (with exception of the
from developing nutritional feed for small and largereproductive system) work together to maintain a
animals, to designing proper habitats, to creatingstate of stability, or homeostasis, which is essential
vaccines to help control the spread of disease. Thefor the proper function and survival of the organism.
increase in trade across borders necessitates theIn the many different fields available in veterinary and
strengthening of biosecurity regulations and that willbiomedical sciences, animal anatomy and physiology
require more and more veterinary professionals.are most definitely going to be some of the first
Specific courses of study will depend on where therequired courses it can't hurt to start brushing up
individual chooses to specialize. Animal reproduction, ornow.
growth, development and nutrition can carry over