Canis lupus familiaris (dogs) were likely the first animals to be domesticated by humans. Humans and dogs share a long intertwined history. DNA evidence suggests domestic dogs most likely diverged from wolves as long as 135,000 years ago (Udell and Wynne). The American Kennel Club (AKC), a registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States, recognizes 167 breeds. Being that dogs are one of the most common household pets owned by humans, it is important to understand their physiology for proper care and nutrition. Physiology is the way living organisms function, the entirety of a dog’s internal organ system works together to preform these vital body functions. Organ systems are collections of cells, tissues and organs that have specific
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“There are three types of muscles in a dog: the skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle” (“Canine Physiology”). The skeletal muscle works in pairs, a flexor and an extensor. It permits the movement of the skeleton and it also moves the skin of the dog. The cardiac muscle is the muscle which is exclusively in the heart. The smooth muscle is the one present in the walls of the digestive organs, arteries, veins, in the diaphragm. On the other hand, the skeleton of a dog is the articulated structure, moved by the muscles, that holds the dog's body and protects some organs and the nervous system. “The skeleton of a dog is made up of approximately 321 bones: 134 form the axial skeleton (skull, vertebrae, ribs, etc.), and 186 form the appendicular skeleton (appendages)” (“Canine Physiology”). The make up of the muscular and skeletal system in dogs allows them to have quick speed and agility. The cardiovascular and circulatory system of a dog pushes the blood around the body with oxygen and nutrients for the cells and removes waste. “This includes a four chambered heart, arteries, veins, and lymphatic glands and vessels” (“Canine Physiology”). The circulation of blood provides the dog's body with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from it. Oxygenated blood and deoxygenated blood circulate
“There are three types of muscles in a dog: the skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle” (“Canine Physiology”). The skeletal muscle works in pairs, a flexor and an extensor. It permits the movement of the skeleton and it also moves the skin of the dog. The cardiac muscle is the muscle which is exclusively in the heart. The smooth muscle is the one present in the walls of the digestive organs, arteries, veins, in the diaphragm. On the other hand, the skeleton of a dog is the articulated structure, moved by the muscles, that holds the dog's body and protects some organs and the nervous system. “The skeleton of a dog is made up of approximately 321 bones: 134 form the axial skeleton (skull, vertebrae, ribs, etc.), and 186 form the appendicular skeleton (appendages)” (“Canine Physiology”). The make up of the muscular and skeletal system in dogs allows them to have quick speed and agility. The cardiovascular and circulatory system of a dog pushes the blood around the body with oxygen and nutrients for the cells and removes waste. “This includes a four chambered heart, arteries, veins, and lymphatic glands and vessels” (“Canine Physiology”). The circulation of blood provides the dog's body with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from it. Oxygenated blood and deoxygenated blood circulate