Unit 2 Content Overview
This unit is a tour through the core gross anatomy responsible for locomotion, i.e. bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and related structures. Thoracic and abdominal wall musculoskeletal anatomy is included. Diagnostic imaging normal anatomy, mostly radiographic, will also be featured. The extensive unit is divided into sections, and assessments will occur at the conclusion of certain sections, as follows:
- Section 1 – Thoracic Limb and exam
- Section 2 – Neck, Back, Axial skeleton
- Section 3 – Thoracic Wall and Abdominal Wall, and exam of Sections 2 and 3.
- Section 4 – Pelvic Limb and exam
Students will dissect carnivore cadavers (canine and feline) and learn most of the comparative large animal (ungulate) anatomy from prosected cadavers and other specimens and models provided. Specific labs for student dissection of equine and ruminant limb anatomy are also featured.
Carnivore cadaver dissections for this unit are performed on the LEFT side of the body, unless specifically directed otherwise.
How to use this guide
To facilitate efficient dissection progress, the lab guide is generally organized into carnivore dissection sections, with ungulate comparative anatomy at the end of each section. Appendices contain helpful details to support greater understanding. A terms list concludes labs and/or a section of material, and you should use these lists as your study guide. For quick reference, the Resource Summary page should include links to all review videos.
Pay close attention to clinical relevance information in magenta text boxes to help connect the lab content to what is discussed in lecture. Content in blue text boxes contains dissection instructions, while content in green text boxes indicates observation required only and states the structures that should be identified following successful dissection.
Where relevant, we have tried to follow dissection instructions with dissection photos. These photos may be clicked to enlarge, and Pressbooks will return you to your place in the guide when you use the back button. If photos are unsourced in the guide, you may assume that they were taken by the NCSU Anatomy Team and labeled for your use.