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,