VTEC 1693 - Anatomy and Physiology 2

Course Description

Students focus on internal body systems in domestic animals, in addition to avian anatomy and physiology, building on their knowledge from Anatomy and Physiology 1. Students perform a necropsy including fine needle aspirate, joint tap, and skin scraping and demonstrate knowledge of therio, including small animal vaginal cytology and semen collection. Students also perform slide creation and examine histological samples.

Learning outcomes

• Identify the major muscles of the animal body and describe the activity of contraction and extension
• Describe major clinical conditions associated with each body system covered
• Explain cardiac function and describe blood circulation in mammals
• Articulate the role of pertinent aspects of reproduction in domestic animals
• Identify avian anatomy and describe the physiology of different species
• Demonstrate necropsy skills including fine needle aspirates, skin scraping, synovial fluid analysis and cell cytology
• Explain gestation times and reproduction differences including performing vaginal cytology and semen collection methods of companion animals

Course topics

• Module 1: Muscles
• Module 2: Cardiovascular System
• Module 3: Respiratory System
• Module 4: Digestive System
• Module 5: Urinary System
• Module 6: Endocrine, Immunity and Defense
• Module 7: Reproductive System
• Module 8: Necropsy
• Module 9: Cytology
• Module 10: Avian Anatomy and Physiology

Required text and materials

Note: Print versions of the textbooks are strongly recommended for all VTEC courses.

Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:

The following textbooks would have been purchased in VTEC 1101 and VTEC 1593. Students who did not take VTEC 1101 and VTEC 1593 and/or don't already own the required textbooks, will need to purchase them. 

1. Bassert, J. M. (2026). McCurnin’s clinical textbook for veterinary technicians (11th ed.). Elsevier. 
   Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323936514
2. Colville, T. P., & Bassert, J. M. (2024). Clinical Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technicians (4th ed.). Elsevier. 
   Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323793414 
3. Colville, T. P., & Bassert, J. M. (2024). Laboratory Manual for Clinical Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technicians (4th ed.). Elsevier.
   Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323793421

Assessments

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 60% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.

The following table illustrates how your final grade will be determined for this course.

Prerequisites

VTEC 1101 and VTEC 1593 (with a minimum grade of C); or Admission into semester 2 of the onsite TRU VTEC program

Exclusions

VTEC 1590

ANHD 2100