Journal of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science Volume 4, Issue 3, 2020, PP 16-20 ISSN 2637-5354

Technical Versus Jargon in Anatomic Veterinary Nomenclature

Parés-Casanova* Department of Animal Science, ETSEA, University of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain *Corresponding Author:Parés-Casanova, Department of Animal Science, ETSEA, University of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain.

ABSTRACT Being a type of scientific nomenclature, anatomy terms must be clear, precise, logical, coherent and accepted worldwide. Therefore, astandardized veterinary anatomical nomenclaturehasnot only recognised internationally but also came highly recommended and must bringto the attention of not only teachers, students and researchers, but also to clinicians, translators, editors and publishers for use throughout their activities. Although a standard veterinary anatomical nomenclature exists, e.g.NominaAnatomicaVeterinaria,it is not always followed or well known by everyone within the profession. Additionally, casual or jargon terms are commonly used, and that is in addition to differing languages being utilised. This manuscript discusses some of the examples derived from the mix of technical versus jargon anatomical veterinary words,makesrecommendations regardingthe use of jargon or technical words according each situation and highlights some of the complexities involved in structuring and maintaining anatomical nomenclature. Keywords: Anatomical nomenclature; Clinical anatomy; NominaAnatomicaVeterinaria

INTRODUCTION American Heritage Dictionary defines jargon as, "the language, especially the vocabulary, Any type of scientific nomenclature must be peculiar to a particular trade, profession, or clear, precise, coherent, comprehensive and group: medical jargon" (Crystal 1995). Lay accepted worldwide(Musil, Blankova, and Baca jargon must be used extensively to communicate 2018)(Chmielewski 2020),in addition to being with laypeople: if owners donot understand correctly usedand taught within and outside of what we are saying or what information is the field (Chmielewski and Strzelec relevant to them, we are going to be unable to 2020).Anatomy is one of the oldest medical provide high-quality care. Moreover, the use of disciplines, and indeed some of the terminology technical words with laypeople can make dates back to ancient times and has provided a owners shut down and avoid asking questions basis for current technical nomenclature because they feel self-conscious (getting clear (Kachlik et al. 2008). The knowledge of answers to questions ensures clients understand anatomical nomenclature ensures veterinarians, their animals’ health and what steps they need to and all related professionals, have access tothe take to ensure their animals’ healthy lives). same method of communicating. This helps avoid confusion when pinpointing structures and This article emphasizes some weaknesses and describing locations of lesions, surgical strengths in relation to the proper use of actuations, necropsy procedures and many more veterinary anatomical nomenclature and, above all, concentrates on the mix of jargon and essential clinical, research and teaching technical words. It is intended to evoke broader activities. Anatomical nomenclature istherefore andmore open discussions within the profession an essential tool when communicating and encourage readers to reflect upon their own information between veterinarians, academics, use, and that of others, in relation to students, researchers, veterinary nurses, terminology and nomenclature. The official physiotherapists and others within the terms (as per the NominaAnatomicaVeterinaria) profession and related professions. used throughout this article appear in italic text. But in day-to-daypractice, many veterinary Unofficial, old, incorrect or jargon terms appear clinicians are unaware on the useof the correct in normal font within brackets.It is also anatomical nomenclature and tend to use important to distinguish between nomenclature, obsolete and jargon (casual) terms. The which is a set of approved terms approved, and

Journal of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science V4 ● I2 ● 2020 16 Technical Versus Jargon in Anatomic Veterinary Nomenclature terminology, which is the standardised system to terms, the anatomical language is seen as alive define these terms precisely. We will consider and changing, and consecutive versions of only use of terminology. Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria reflect these changes. Although some changes are inspired by The Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria a long tradition and do not come as a surprise to The origins of anatomical nomenclature date anyone in the field, other modifications are back to the ancient period, more than 2,500 characterized by innovation and new years ago, and were made in the common discoveries. languages of that time, Greek and later Latin By the way: we are sure that a minimal (Kachlik et al. 2008). Veterinary anatomical academic basis of Latin and Greek roots would nomenclature is currently gathered by the help make the anatomical nomenclature more International Committee on Veterinary Gross intelligible and even interesting. Just to cite, two Anatomical Nomenclature (ICVGAN) in its cute examples: the "Azygos vein" [V. Azygos], Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (last edition: 6th, from the Greek "without a pair", explains the published in 2017)(International Committee on lack of a similar vein, for some domestic Veterinary Gross Anatomical Nomenclature species, on the contraside of the vertebral 2017), often referred to as NAV. The World column in the region of the thorax. And the Association of Veterinary Anatomists spleen, ―lien‖ or ―splen‖ (although Nomina (WAVA)has overall responsibility for the text, prefers the first term [lien]), both involving committees and publication with professionals derived adjectives such as ―lienalis‖ -Lig. from throughout the world contributing to this lienorenale- and ―splenicus‖ - Sulcus splenialis. essential undertaking. Species specific names have been brought together and terms for the The role of an anatomist academicians must be same thing, reducing the number of words and not only to broaden the knowledge of the animal making life easier, complexities and positive body and its parts, but also to extend the effects. WAVA has additionally published nomenclature in theory and practice. Veterinary similar volumes for histological and Anatomy is the basic science course that embryological anatomy, namely the Nomina essential for most veterinary curriculum Histologica Veterinaria and Nomina including the curriculum of Veterinary Embryologica Veterinaria, which also utilise a Medicine, and education and understanding of series of international nomenclature committees. anatomical nomenclature can link structural Although the publication of NAV is issued as a knowledge to mechanisms of development free open access book online and as a traditional (pathogenesis), structural alterations of cells book, its promotion has not always been (morphologic changes), and the consequences of interacted with by everyone and it is also not changes to animal diseases (Uopasai and always used by everyone. Even when used it Bunterm 2012). may not always be highlighted or referenced, for The majority of clinicians and some example when adhered to in scientific academicians have never favoured or accepted publications it is not always referred to, the NominaAnatomicaVeterinaria nomenclature, undergraduates may be taught using the not because of its intrinsic defects but simply terminology but they may not realise that the due to unknowledge. Some researchers refuse to nomenclature comes from NAV. It is not a adopt it and unfortunately, many erroneous compulsory text for all veterinary, biosciences terms have been adopted in some textbooks and or animal anatomy departments not everyone researches on veterinary anatomy. will consult the text to ensure appropriate nomenclature in presentations and publications The challenge with Veterinary students or in day-to-day discussions. The bigger picture of anatomy is what structures It is important to remember that the anatomical are and how they fit together. Although students nomenclature is part of scientific nomenclature can often get hung up with nomenclature and that deserves due consideration and can be think that anatomy is just about names, learning, updated and improved when necessary. remembering, and understanding the anatomical Anatomical nomenclature is the basis for terms are arguably the greatest challenges faced medical communication (Chmielewski and by first year veterinary students (when normally Strzelec 2020) and is elaborated into a they are introduced to Animal Anatomy). nomenclature in Latin (Chmielewski and Erroneous achievements of anatomy will affect Strzelec 2020). Like other sets of scientific their next levels and future practice. If this

17 Journal of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science V4 ● I2 ● 2020 Technical Versus Jargon in Anatomic Veterinary Nomenclature learning affects nomenclature, it will mean that unknowledge of correct terms and at the same future Veterinarians will not take care of their time a shift towards the comprehension on non- own language and tend to use wrong terms. The professional persons, as owners -ultimately their result has been the introduction of a state of clients-. Moreover, it should be remembered chaos bewildering to the pupil as well as to the that the use of obsolete and invalid anatomical professional. names in clinical practice or teaching enhances the risk of miscommunication, which may This fact probably explains that if clinicians increase the risk of poor outcomes. Such as ignore the official anatomical nomenclature, is status of nomenclature hampers communication probably because other problems attract their both within the discipline and between attention and they have not put time on anatomists and other researchers, leading to theproper language, which does not merit their misunderstandings and mistakes in scientific attention. Clinicians have learned the very same writing. Even ―standard‖ textbooks vary in their language that their colleagues, and they ignore use of terms. the use the official version of anatomical nomenclature (cf. Table 1). We believe this is an Table1.Some examples of mistakes and departures from the valid anatomicalterm adopted by the NominaAnatomicaVeterinaria that can be found in daily Veterinary clinical practice Erroneous, obsolete or jargon term Valid term ―Achilles’ tendon‖ Tendo calcaneus communis ―Check ligament‖ Caput tendineum of the deep digital flexor tendon ―Fontanella‖ Fonticuli cranii ―Foramen opticum‖ Canalis opticus ―Laryngopharynx‖ Pars laryngeapharynges ―Lymphoide‖ Lymphaticum ―Milk vein‖ V. epigastricacranialis superficialis ―Navicular bone‖ Os sesamoideum distale ―Oropharynx‖ Pars oralispharynges ―Perforated tendon‖ M. flexor digitorum superficialis ―Perforating tendon‖ M. flexor digitorum profundus ―Suprarenal glands‖ Glandulaadrenalis ―Suspensory ligament‖ Ligg. sesamoidea collateralia ―Thyroids‖ Glandulathyroideaor thyreoidea ―Twin muscles‖ M. gastrocnemius (Caput laterale and Caput mediale) Jargon Versus Technical Words series, which must go from Phalanx proximalis [Oscompedale], to Phalanx media [Oscoronale] Many people commonly use jargon, instead of and Phalanx distalis [Osunguiculare, the official version of anatomical nomenclature. Osungulare], and not ―first‖ to ―second‖ and With the use of jargon in academics, veterinary ―third‖, as it is common usage by lay people and students will be confronted toan unknowledge owners. of technical names for anatomical structures. The Mix of Registers Two frequent examples from real clinics can According to theAmerican Heritage Dictionary, illustrate why the clinical jargon is so different register is "a variety of language typically used from the official anatomical nomenclature. One in a specific type of communicative setting: an is from the equine clinical practice: the term informal register; the register of scientific ―navicular‖, which is nearly always used instead discourse." A formal register is used in of distal sesamoid bone, and with no repair that nonfiction texts, lecture halls, etc.(Crystal anatomically the navicular bone [Osnaviculare] 1995). corresponds to the central tarsal bone [Os tarsi centrale]. This erroneous form is so popular that The use of jargonregister is only justified when it is unlikely that the correct form will be it is addressed to non-Veterinarians. For recognised as valid in the clinical world. ―Milk instance, they must use ―croup‖ or ―rump‖ vein‖ is another example. The term is used instead of Nates, or ―honeycomb‖ instead of instead of vena epigastrica [V. Reticulum, and ―rennet‖ for Abomasum, epigastricacranialis superficialis]. Probably ―jaws‖for Maxilla and Mandibula, ―fangs‖ for Veterinary dentistry is the Veterinary field Dentescanini, ―the side‖ for lateralis, ―stern” where more correct words are used. Finally, and for Cauda, ―windpipe‖ for Trachea... Terms can they are just examples, nomination of acropodial be literal translations of the Latin -―greater

Journal of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science V4 ● I2 ● 2020 18 Technical Versus Jargon in Anatomic Veterinary Nomenclature trochanter‖ for Trochanter major, ―head‖ for the former is referred to the ventral side of Caput femoris, ―neck‖ for Collum femoris- or metapodes (NominaAnatomicaVeterinaria is not not, but must be in common usage.In very clear on it). We also think that the term conclusion, jargon must be used…. but only ―volar‖ -referred to the sole of hindfoot- should in the proper situationifthe language level be used (reserving the term ―solar‖ for the (jargon? technical?)is adequate. Mixing them is forefoot).The terms ―superior‖ and ―inferior‖ for not justified in any case. animals are bad used, too, as they must be used onlyfor certain cephalic structures, such asA. In my opinion, there are different kinds of bad labialis superior andA. palpebralis inferior usage of nomenclature: lateralis. More: the ―frontal plane‖, because it  A permanent use of jargon words: e.g. refers to the plane of the human forehead, is not ―honeycomb‖ and ―rennet‖, which are applicable to quadrupeds. The term jargon words for reticulum and abomasum. "submandibular," as used in humans, is  A use of obsolete technical words: incorrectdue the difference in topography of although the Latin anatomical mandible(and so Fossa mandibularis, Ganglion nomenclature is stabilized and is easily mandibulare, Glandulamandibularis...). available, may clinicians tend to use ―Sagittal‖ and ―median‖ planes are very obsolete, insufficient and incorrect terms or frequently incorrectly used, too. Let us an even misuse them. E.g., cardiac lobe of the extended comment on them, clearly right lung for middle lobe contaminated by human nomenclature.For (Lobusmedius[pulmonisdextri]). ―Perone‖ quadrupeds, we had to reserve the term median and ―cubitus‖ must be considered obsolete, [Medianus] plane to one which divides the body and fibula and ulna used instead (and into right and left ―halves‖ of equal proportion, associated terms, such as N. fibularis i.e. the case of body bilateral symmetry, being communis and A. collateralisulnaris). The vertical to the ground and passing vertically adjectives peroneal and cubital should be through the corporal midline. In the animal replaced by the adjective fibular and ulnar body, the median plane would correspond to the in all cases (although for the latter there are plane running from the top to the bottom yet some structures with cubiti). Moreover, through the midline structures such as navel and with the former there is the risk of spine, e.g.Crista sacralismediana, confusion since this term sounds the same Suturapalatinamediana, Sulcus medianus or almost the same as the adjective perineal linguae.... And alternatively, the sagittal plane [perinealis] in English. [Plana sagittalia] would divide any structure  A use of human anatomy technical words: other than the post-cranial external e.g. ―suprarenal glands‖ instead of bodystrictusensu (head and visceras, not glandulaadrenalis. necessarily parallel to long body axis, as are most of internal organs)  A simple incorrect use of words: e.g. intosymmetrical right and left halves: Crista ―navicular bone‖ instead of os sesamoideum distale. sagittalis externa, Foramen sinus sagittalis dorsalis, Suturasagittalis, interfrontalis... Topographic parts Similar to the median plane, the sagittal plane Anatomical planes are hypothetical planes used results in the formation of left and right portions in describing the location of bodily structures or but not necessarily parallel to the cut as it has movement directions. Due to the inclination of done along body. Something like a ―sandwich‖ the veterinary anatomy towards human of the organ independently of the position into anatomy, many terms have been erroneously the body. Planes that are parallel to the sagittal applied to the animal body by simply changing plane, but that are offset from the midsagittal the position from vertical to horizontal to unify plane would be termed parasagittal planes, and the human and animal anatomy(Kachlik et al. paramedian planes [Plana paramediana] for 2009), and this is applied in animal topography. those parallel to the median plan. It exemplifies Let’s see some examples. the complexity of mixing human and anatomical A typical mistake is the use of ―palmar‖ for terms. ―solar‖.This latter had to be used to refer to the AS A CONCLUSION sole of the foot -the weight-bearing structure (Mills and Leach 1988), the "walking" surface A clear and understandable nomenclature is of the front paw in companion animals-, while necessary for non-problematic communication.

19 Journal of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science V4 ● I2 ● 2020 Technical Versus Jargon in Anatomic Veterinary Nomenclature

The principal argument that the specialists in A well-developed scientific veterinary veterinary anatomy (and/or other medical fields) formation takes pride in quality and understand each other without difficulty and that unambiguous and proper nomenclature. We minor nomenclature discrepancies do not cause need to democratizethe nomenclature as critical confusion in communication, is true, but internationally accepted and recognized, but frequently without using proper words. The lack also to make it a living language of anatomy in of common use of correct anatomical words is vernacular words. due to two reasons, in my opinion. First, REFERENCES anatomists represent only a small group among [1] Chmielewski, P.P. 2020. ―New Terminologia veterinary scientists and clinicians, and Anatomica Highlights the Importance of moreover, it is quite a heterogeneous group Clinical Anatomy.‖ Folia Morphologica mainly from the language point of view. (Poland) 79(1): 15–20. Different languages and different scientific [2] Chmielewski, P.P., and B. Strzelec. 2020. schools prefer special nomenclatural phrases. ―Should Terminologia Anatomica Be Revised Second, anatomy is a basic language of and Extended? A Critical Literature Review.‖ medicine and it has seemed to be more simple, Folia Morphologica (Poland) 79(1): 1–14. clearer and understandable for all people [3] Crystal, D. 1995. The Cambridge Encyclopedia involved in veterinary medicine (not only of the English Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. scientists and clinicians, but also paramedical staff, journalists, lawyers, translators, linguists, [4] International Committee on Veterinary Gross Anatomical Nomenclature. 2017. Nomina information specialists, etc.) if jargon words are Anatomica Veterinaria. World Association of used. On balance, each new version of Veterinary Anatomist. anatomicalnomenclature uses more logical, [5] Kachlik, D. et al. 2008. ―Anatomical precise and coherent terms bur for clinicians, Terminology and Nomenclature: Past, Present ―traditional‖ ters are generally preferred. and Highlights.‖ Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy 30(6): 459–66. Proper anatomical nomenclature may seem [6] ———. 2009. ―Mistakes in the Usage of cumbersome, but, in most of cases, facilitates Anatomical Terminology in Clinical Practice.‖ translation of scientific information into diverse Biomedical Papers 153(2): 157–62. languages. Based onthe need of their correct [7] Mills, L.L., and D.H. Leach. 1988. ―A usage, continued application the revised Revised/Proposed Nomenclature for the nomenclature is required to ensure their correct External Anatomical Features of the Bovine use and to resolve any possible discrepancies Foot.‖ The Canadian veterinary journal 29(5): between the official terminologies and those 444–47. specifically used by practitioners. Moreover, the [8] Musil, V., A. Blankova, and V. Baca. 2018. ―A nomenclature must be continuously corrected Plea for an Extension of the Anatomical Nomenclature: The Locomotor System.‖ and extended in the future, as further Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences developments in diagnostic and dissectional 18(2): 117–25. methods are made. Individual proposals to [9] Uopasai, S., and T. Bunterm. 2012. ―The change or add terms must be also considered, all Development of Veterinary Anatomical Term suggested terms being discussed by the wider Learning Media for 2nd Year Students in scientific community. If they are correct and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen considered useful, they should be added to the University.‖ Procedia - Social and Behavioral new version of the Nomina Anatomica Sciences 69(Iceepsy): 1861–65. http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.12.138. Veterinaria.

Citation: Parés-Casanova, “Technical Versus Jargon in Anatomic Veterinary Nomenclature”,Journal of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science,4(2), 2020, pp. 16-20. Copyright: © 2020 Parés-Casanova. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Journal of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science V4 ● I2 ● 2020 20