The Dog

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dogs have different adaptations to their
ancestral habitat but nowadays, this is not applicable.

ANATOMY

SKELETON

The skeleton of the dog is the articulated structure, moved by the muscles, that
holds the dog�s body and protects some organs and the nervous system. It also
functions as mineral and blood deposit of the body. 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). An
extra bone has to be added for male dogs which is the penile bone. The dog is a
digigraded animal (it walks with it�s toes). It lies on it�s third phalanges
which are protected by palm cushions. The dog�s toes are arranged in an angle
which gives more facility of rest after running or other activities. The teeth
of the dog is composed of 42 teeth which include canines, molars, incisors, etc.

JOINTS

Joints permit the movement of the bones. There are three types of joints in a
dog: ...

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a human one. It ensures the
ingestion of food and it�s transformation (by mechanical and chemical acts) to
simple substances which the dog�s body can absorb and assimilate. It all starts
in the mouth, where food is broken down mechanically and also a little
chemically (saliva and teeth). Then they pass through the esophagus to the
stomach to the small intestine (only 3 meters long but it has a very strong
digestion) and to the large intestine where the feces are made. Then excretion
is made through the rectum and then through the anus. A series of added glands
produce substances which are used in digestion and they perform various
important jobs. The most important one is the liver ...

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