B8424 - Systematic Veterinary Anatomy of the Locomotor System and Skin

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

By the end of the course, the student gains a foundational understanding of veterinary anatomy, focusing on organogenesis, the skeletal system, joints, muscles, and skin structure, preparing students for advanced clinical and surgical disciplines. In particular, the student: understands organogenesis and the embryological development of major organ systems across veterinary species; acquires knowledge of the skeletal system, joint types, and muscle groups, including their roles in movement and support; understands the structure and function of the skin and its accessory structures, including species-specific adaptations.

Contenuti

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization, functioning, and biochemical mechanisms underlying the metabolism of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, and the skin and its appendages, essential for recognizing the normal aspects of clinical relevance in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in topographical anatomy and imaging techniques applicable to these systems, including their relevance to kinetics and kinematics.

The Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.17, 1.21, 1.24.

Specific Course contents:

This course provides a foundational understanding of veterinary anatomy, focusing on organogenesis, the skeletal system, joint structures, muscle anatomy, and the anatomical organization of the skin.

The course includes the following key topics:

- Overview of embryological development stages in veterinary species (dog, cat, horse, cattle).

- Formation and differentiation of major organ systems.

Skeletal system

- Structure and growth of bones: cellular composition, ossification processes, and remodeling.

- Classification of bones (long, short, flat, irregular) and their functional roles.

- Comparative anatomy of the axial and appendicular skeleton in different species.

- Clinical relevance of skeletal differences among species (e.g., adaptations for locomotion).

Joint anatomy

-Types of joints: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial.

- Structure and classification of synovial joints, including examples in veterinary species.

- Functional analysis of joint mechanics and movement.

Muscle anatomy

- Structure of skeletal muscles: microscopic to macroscopic organization.

- Major muscle groups in veterinary species and their functions.

- Anatomical relationships between muscles, bones, and joints.

- Comparative analysis of muscle adaptations in companion and large animals.

Anatomy of the skin

- Structural layers of the skin: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

- Accessory structures of the skin (e.g., hair, sebaceous and sweat glands).

- Functions of the skin in protection, thermoregulation, and sensory perception.

- Species-specific adaptations in skin structure (e.g., coat types, pigmentation).

Hands-on dissections focusing on bones, joints, muscles, and skin

- Identification of anatomical structures using models and real specimens.

- Comparative analysis of anatomical features across veterinary species.

- Introduction to histological and imaging techniques for studying skin and soft tissues.

Testi/Bibliografia

• Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG. Dyce, Sack, and Wensing's Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy*. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2017
• König HE, Liebich HG. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic Animals: Textbook and Colour Atlas*. 7th ed. Thieme; 2020.

Metodi didattici

The course will be organized in 24 hours of frontal lessons and 6 hours of interactive practical activities, during which students will have the opportunity to study real anatomical preparations. They will observe the shapes, connections, and relationships between skeletal segments, ligamentous structures, and muscles that facilitate movement. This hands-on approach aims to deepen their understanding of functional anatomy through direct observation and guided analysis.

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

The final exam of the Integrated Course "Movement, Skin, and Nervous System" consists of two parts.

• The first part is a written test comprising 60 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter.

  Each correct question will earn 0.5 points; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The use of supporting material or devices such as calculators, books, notebooks, class notes, etc. is not authorized during the test. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers.

  The test assignment will last 1.5h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

• The second part is a practical examination held in the Clinical Skills Lab or at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, including the execution of manual procedures of the physical examination and the description and interpretation of images or videos related to the different imaging techniques, allowing the evaluation of the acquisition of practical and verbal competences. To pass the practical examination, the student must demonstrate sufficient competences, obtaining a minimum grade of 18/30.

The final grade for the Integrated Course is calculated as the weighted average of the written test (60%) and the practical assessment (40%). Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion.

In compliance with Law 104/1992 and Law 170/2010, and in alignment with institutional inclusion policies, students with certified disabilities or specific learning disorders—as well as those with recognized special educational needs—will receive appropriate accommodations during assessments. Such students should promptly contact the course instructor and inform the University’s Disability and SLD Support Service [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en] . A faculty member is appointed to oversee this service within the Department [https://scienzemedicheveterinarie.unibo.it/it/dipartimento/organizzazione/referenti-istituzionali] .

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

Slides, anatomical preparations and models, and interactive resources.

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale platform and could be reached through the link on the teacher webpage.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Luca Lorenzini