Canine Anatomy

The Parts and Functions of Canine Anatomy

Here is a brief overview of the form and function of canine anatomy. This knowledge may be useful when you are talking with your veterinarian or other animal professional about your dog.

Musculoskeletal System of a Dog

The skeleton is part of this system that is the framework for the dog. The musculoskeletal system also includes the muscles, ligaments, joints, and tendons that allow the dog to move. The major parts of the musculoskeletal system are:

• Bones: Bones are rigid, and are composed of calcium, phosphorous, and other minerals. Not only are they the body's framework, but bones also protect delicate organs.

• Muscles: Muscles provide movement to all parts of the body. The two different types of muscles are smooth and striated. The smooth muscles work involuntarily to help the body perform necessary functions such as breathing. Striated muscles are voluntary muscles used for activities such as chewing and walking.

• Tendons: Tendons are the fibrous bands that connect the muscles to the bones.

• Joints and Ligaments: Joints are the place where the bones meet and their ends are covered by cartilage. Ligaments join bones together and are usually found in joints.

Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system supplies nutrients and oxygen to the dog's body and also carries away metabolic waste. The heart pumps blood into the tissues and also carries away carbon dioxide and toxins to the liver and kidneys to be eliminated from the body.

• Heart: The main parts of the heart are the chambers, valves and electrical nodes. It is made of a special type of muscle that keeps the heart pumping at a regular rhythm.

• Veins: Veins are the vessels which carry the blood from the body back to the heart.

• Capillaries: These small vessels are present in all major body tissues. Their function is to allow the exchange of nutrients, gases, and fluids between the body's tissues and lungs.

• Arteries: Arteries carry blood away from the heart and into the body.

Respiratory System

The canine respiratory system serves two functions. The first is to act as the exchange mechanism for the body to allow it to intake oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The second function is to act as the cooling system for the dog's body.

• Mouth, nose, pharynx, and larynx: Oxygen is breathed in and enters the airways through these body parts.

• Trachea: This carries the air to the bronchi.

• Bronchi: These carry the air to the lungs

• Lungs: The lungs contain alveoli. These are the air pockets where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the blood.

Nervous System

The canine nervous system is a quite complex part of the canine anatomy. This system carries messages from the brain. The impulses travel to the body systems through electrical impulses transferred through nerve fibers.

• Central Nervous System: The central nervous system is made up of the spinal cord, the brain stem and the brain. This part of the nervous system carries the initial impulses from the brain to other parts of the nervous system.

• Peripheral Nervous System: There are two kinds of peripheral nerves, motor nerves and sensory nerves. Motor nerves come from the brain and control movement. Sensory nerves return information to the brain.

• Autonomic Nervous System; The autonomic nervous system is the set of involuntary nerves that controls body functions such as respiration and heartbeat.

The Integumentary System

The combination of skin and fur is the largest organ of the dog. This important organ protects internal organs and helps regulate body temperature.

• Epidermis: The epidermis is the outer layer of skin that protects the body from the environment. This layer of skin also contains pigment that determines a dog's color and protects him from the sun.

• Dermis: The dermis is the second layer of the the skin. It contains nerves, hair follicles and supplies the epidermis with oils.

• Fur: Fur protects the dog's skin from the elements and regulates body temperature.

More Canine Anatomical Systems and Functions

The parts of the canine anatomy listed above are just a few of the body systems that are operating inside of your dog. Your dog has many more anatomical systems that keep him alive and healthy.

• The lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes and lymph vessels. This is part of the canine immune system that helps fight off infection.

• The digestive system breaks food down into nutrients and removes waste from the body.

• The endocrine system is made up of the thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, pituitary gland, the adrenal glands and part of the pancreas. These glands produce hormones that keep the body's organs functioning properly.

• The special senses are the organs that allow the dog to feel, see, hear, taste, and smell.