To be continued....

Vet Med Word of the Day is taking a brief hiatus - sadly, I don't learn as many neat words during the summer when I'm not in class, and life is a bit hectic at the moment. Look for VMWotD to return in July!

Metaphysis

Metaphysis (noun): the transitional zone at which the diaphysis and epiphysis come together

Epiphysis

Epiphysis (noun): the end of a long bone (such as the femur), originally separated from the diaphysis by a layer of cartilage (the "growth plate") which later becomes bone

Diaphysis

Diaphysis (noun): the shaft of a long bone (such as the femur)

Fascia

Fascia (noun): a band or sheath of connective tissue that surrounds, supports, and/or binds together organs of the body

Acetabulum

Acetabulum (noun): the socket in the hip bone which receives the head of the femur (thigh bone)

Aboral

Aboral (adjective): in a direction opposite to or away from the mouth (used mainly to indicate direction within the digestive tract)

Microphthalmia

Microphthalmia (noun): an unnatural smallness of the eyes, occurring due to disease or imperfect development

Hypsodont

Hypsodont (adjective): referring to teeth that have high crowns and short roots, as with some of the teeth of horses

Brachydont

Brachydont (adjective): referring to teeth that have short crowns and well-developed roots, as in dogs, cats, and humans

Foramen / foramina

Foramen (noun): an opening or short passage, usually used in the context of a bone; plural = foramina

Mastication

Mastication (noun): the process of chewing

Plantar

Plantar (adjective): referring to the surface of the hind paw or hoof of an animal that would correspond with the sole of the human foot

Palmar

Palmar (adjective): referring to the surface of the front paw or hoof of an animal that would correspond to the palm of a human

Ptosis

Ptosis (noun): a drooping of the upper eyelid

Auscultation

Auscultation (noun): the process of listening, via a stethoscope or other instrument, to sounds occurring within the body as a means of diagnosis

Olecranon

Olecranon (noun): the projection of the ulna (a bone of the forearm) beyond the elbow joint

Myoglobin

Myoglobin (noun): a protein similar to hemoglobin but found exclusively in muscle; has a higher affinity for oxygen than hemoglobin does, allowing myoglobin to attract oxygen away from the hemoglobin in the bloodstream and into the muscle

Gomphosis

Gomphosis (noun): an immovable joint in which one bone is fitted into the cavity of another bone; example: a tooth in its socket