Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology

Veterinary anatomy and physiology encompass the study of animal form and function at all organisational levels, from subcellular components and tissue microstructure to intact organ systems and whole-body integration. Anatomy details the skeletal framework, musculature, neural networks, visceral organs and vasculature of diverse domestic species, highlighting their evolutionary and functional adaptations. Physiology explores dynamic processes such as neural conduction, muscle contraction, haemodynamic regulation, gas exchange, digestion, absorption, excretion and endocrine homeostasis. Advances in non-invasive imaging, molecular phenotyping and computational modelling have refined our insight into species-specific biomechanics, cardiovascular performance, respiratory mechanics and metabolic control. Integrative approaches now link three-dimensional anatomical reconstructions with real-time functional assessments, thereby informing precision diagnostics, surgical planning and translational research in both animal and comparative medicine.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Longitudinal micro-computed tomography combined with dynamic histomorphometry has produced four-dimensional maps of peri-implant bone remodelling in a rat model of subclinical device-related infection. Time-lapse reconstruction of successive scans revealed early deficits in osseointegration, altered turnover rates and periosteal reactions undetectable by static imaging, enhancing sensitivity while reducing animal usage. Network analysis of gene co-expression in ovariectomised mice has identified modules enriched for oxidative-stress regulators that drive trabecular bone loss. Targeted deletion of a hub gene attenuated post-menopausal demineralisation, demonstrating how molecular circuits govern skeletal homeostasis and offering quantitative biomarkers for bone physiology.

Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in veterinary anatomy and physiology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Histomorphometry: Quantitative measurement of bone microarchitecture and remodelling activity on serial sections or time-lapse datasets.

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT): High-resolution, non-destructive X-ray technique for three-dimensional visualisation of internal structures.

Co-expression network: Analytical framework linking genes by correlated expression to identify regulatory modules.

Osseointegration: Direct bonding between living bone and the surface of an implanted device.

Speckle-tracking echocardiography: Ultrasound method that tracks natural acoustic markers to quantify myocardial deformation (strain).

Reference interval: Statistical range of normal values for physiological parameters, often scaled for species, breed or body weight.

Diastolic dysfunction: Impaired ventricular relaxation or increased chamber stiffness that disrupts normal filling.

References

1. Network Analysis Implicates Alpha-Synuclein (Snca) in the Regulation of Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss. Scientific Reports (2016).
2. Longitudinal time-lapse in vivo micro-CT reveals differential patterns of peri-implant bone changes after subclinical bacterial infection in a rat model. Scientific Reports (2020).
3. Reference ranges for standard-echocardiography in pugs and impact of clinical severity of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) on echocardiographic parameters. BMC Veterinary Research (2022).
4. The effect of obesity and subsequent weight reduction on cardiac structure and function in dogs. BMC Veterinary Research (2022).
5. Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function in Healthy Retrievers Using Standard and 2D Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography. Veterinary Sciences (2022).