Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy is the study of the structures of a given organism, in this case the dog. Comparative anatomy is the science of looking at the similarities and differences between organisms. We will use both in this course to help you learn the canine anatomy. Especially interesting to massage practitioners are the comparisons between the scapula and shoulder complex, pelvis, and spine.

Physiology is the scientific study of an organism’s vital functions, in this case the dog, including growth and development, the absorption and processing of nutrients, the synthesis and distribution of proteins and other organic molecules, and the functioning of different tissues, organs, and other anatomic structures.