Chapter 1 Principles of cell biology
Animal classification
Table 1.1 Classification of the domestic dog and cat
Taxonomic group | Dog | Cat |
---|---|---|
Kingdom | Animal | Animal |
Phylum | Chordata (Vertebrate) | Chordata (Vertebrate) |
Class | Mammalia (Mammal) | Mammalia (Mammal) |
Order | Carnivora | Carnivora |
Family | Canidae | Felidae |
Genus | Canis | Felis |
Species | familiaris | catus |
Common name | Domestic dog | Domestic cat |
Generally speaking, all mammals have a similar basic structural plan in terms of anatomy and physiology, but each species has been modified to suit its specific lifestyle. In other words, mammals have become specialised for activities such as running, digging, gnawing, jumping and eating specific foods.
Anatomical definitions
The basic plan of the body
The body is made up of a number of systems and each of them has a specific job, enabling the body to function effectively. These systems can be placed in one of three groups depending on their function:
Structural systems
Coordinating systems
The mammalian cell
Cell structure and function
The components of a cell are shown in Figures 1.2 and 1.3 and are as follows:

Fig. 1.2 Components of the mammalian cell.
(With permission from Colville T, Bassett JM 2001 Clinical anatomy and physiology for veterinary technicians. Mosby, St Louis, MO, p 11.)
Cell membrane
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