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anatomy guide

Dog nervous system — anatomy overview

Overview of the canine brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, and the sensory systems through which dogs perceive their environment.
General educational reference only — not clinical or veterinary advice. Anatomy varies between individual animals; consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concern.

Central nervous system

The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, protected by the skull, vertebral column, and cushioning cerebrospinal fluid. The brain integrates information and directs behavior and movement. The spinal cord relays signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Peripheral nervous system

Peripheral nerves branch from the spinal cord and brainstem to carry sensory information inward and motor commands outward. The autonomic portion regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion. Reflex pathways allow rapid responses without direct involvement of the brain.

Senses

Dogs rely heavily on smell, with an olfactory system far more elaborate than that of humans, including a vomeronasal organ for detecting chemical signals. Their hearing detects a wider range of high frequencies than humans, and their eyes are adapted for motion detection and low-light vision. These senses together shape how dogs interpret their surroundings.

Sources

More Dog anatomy

Digestive systemSkeletal systemCardiovascular systemRespiratory systemUrinary systemIntegumentary systemDental anatomy

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