Veterinary Medical Terminology and Anatomy Flashcards

What does 'polydipsia' mean and what is it associated with?

Answer: Excessive thirst, commonly associated with kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing's syndrome

Polydipsia means excessive thirst ('poly-' = excessive, '-dipsia' = thirst). It commonly accompanies chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and hyperadrenocorticism.

Where are the adrenal glands located and what do they do?

Answer: Cranial to each kidney, producing cortisol, aldosterone, and catecholamines

The adrenal glands are near each kidney ('ad-' = near, 'renal' = kidney) and produce hormones critical for stress response, electrolyte balance, and fight-or-flight response.

What does 'ventral recumbency' describe?

Answer: Lying on the belly/chest, spine facing up

Ventral recumbency means the ventral surface (belly) is against the table with the dorsal surface (spine) facing up.

What are the four main tissue types in the animal body?

Answer: Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue

All body structures are composed of four fundamental tissue types classified by function: covering, supporting, moving, and communicating.

What is the medical term for surgical removal of the uterus and both ovaries (spaying)?

Answer: Ovariohysterectomy

Ovariohysterectomy combines 'ovario-' (ovaries) + 'hyster-' (uterus) + '-ectomy' (removal), the standard spay in the United States.

The term 'proximal' refers to a structure that is:

Answer: Closer to the point of attachment or trunk of the body

Proximal means closer to the trunk or point of origin. The humerus is proximal to the radius, which is proximal to the carpus.