The mammals are the class of vertebrate animals characterized by the presence of mammary glands, which in females produce milk for the nourishment of young; the presence of hair or fur; and endothermic or "warm-blooded" bodies. The brain regulates endothermic and circulatory systems, including a four-chambered heart. Mammals encompass some 5,500 species (including Humans), distributed in about 1,200 genera, 152 families and up to 46 orders, though this varies with the classification scheme.

Phylogenetically, Mammalia is defined as all descendants of the most recent common ancestor of monotremes (e.g., echidnas and platypuses) and therian mammals (marsupials and placentals).

Mammal anatomy

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Skeletal system

The vast majority of mammals have seven cervical vertebrae (neck bones), including bats, giraffes, whales, and humans. The few exceptions include the manatee and the two-toed sloth, which each have only six cervical vertebrae, and the three-toed sloth with nine cervical vertebrae.

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Veterinary Medicine

Hall Wins USDA/CREES Grant
Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:47:30 -0700
Dr. Jean Hall has been awarded a grant from USDA/CREES for $354,464 for her research proposal, "How does selenium function as an immunonutrient?" She and Dr. Neil Forsberg are co-investigators on the study.
Dr. Villarroel Visits World Congress in Budapest
Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:45:55 -0700
Dr. Aurora Villarroel was among more than 2,000 veterinarians from 72 countries at the XXV World Congress of Buiatrics (the largest venue dedicated to veterinary medicine for cattle)in Budapest, Hungary, July 6-11.
New Facilities Strengthen Treatment Options
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:56:36 -0700
<img class="thumb" src="http://oregonstate.edu/enewsletter/images/horse.jpg" alt="Stacy Semevolos" title="OSU's Stacy Semevolos" />When a horse develops an infection, its owners usually turn to a rural veterinarian. But when lameness strikes an Oregon Appaloosa or quarterhorse, rural vets increasingly refer their patients to OSU's College of Veterinary Medicine for treatment.
House Calls to the Hoopa
Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:02:46 -0700
On-the-job training for vet students, including several from OSU, benefits the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation northeast of Eureka, Calif.
The Vet Gazette
Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700
<img class="thumb" src="http://oregonstate.edu/enewsletter/images/murphymongolia.jpg" alt="Photo of CVM Student Shanna Murphy title="Travels to Mongolia" />Check out upcoming events and recent stories from the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Pet Day 2008
Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700
<img class="thumb" src="http://oregonstate.edu/enewsletter/images/petday.jpg" alt="Photo of a child with duck" title="OSU's 21st Annual Pet Day on May 3" />Celebrate the human-animal bond on Pet Day. Tour Magruder Hall and the newly-expanded large animal facilities and learn what it takes to become a veterinarian. Also, watch dog agility demonstrations, visit the petting zoo and enter your dog into the Frisbee contest! Leashed pets are welcome.

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