Human Body and Systems Terminology

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering anatomy and physiology terminology, body systems, and cellular structure.

Anterior

Refers to the front of the body.

Posterior

Refers to the back of the body.

Superior

Refers to a position above or higher than another part.

Inferior

Refers to a position below or lower than another part.

Proximal

Refers to a part of the limb that is closer to the point of attachment.

Distal

Refers to a part of the limb that is further from the point of attachment.

Medial

Refers to a position closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Refers to a position further away from the midline of the body.

Superficial

Refers to a position closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Refers to a position further away from the surface of the body.

Cranial Cavity

The body cavity that contains the brain.

Vertebral Cavity

The cavity that encases the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

The cavity that contains the lungs and heart.

Diaphragm

The muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Right Pleural Cavity

Cavity that surrounds the right lung.

Left Pleural Cavity

Cavity that surrounds the left lung.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity.

Pericardial Cavity

Cavity that contains the heart.

Abdominal Cavity

The cavity that contains digestive organs.

Pelvic Cavity

The cavity that contains reproductive organs and bladder.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

A combined term for the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

Region of the abdomen that includes the right lobe of the liver.

Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)

Region of the abdomen that includes the stomach.

Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)

Region of the abdomen that includes the appendix.

Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

Region of the abdomen that includes the left ovary in females.

Right Hypochondriac Region

Upper right region of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Epigastric Region

Region located above the stomach.

Left Hypochondriac Region

Upper left region of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Right Lumbar Region

Middle right region of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Umbilical Region

Central region of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Left Lumbar Region

Middle left region of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Right Iliac Region

Lower right region of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Hypogastric Region

Region located below the stomach.

Left Iliac Region

Lower left region of the abdominopelvic cavity.

Manual

Pertaining to the hand.

Mental

Pertaining to the chin.

Carpal Region

Refers to the wrist area.

Crural Region

Pertaining to the calf.

Acrominal

Pertaining to the highest point of the shoulder.

Femoral Region

Pertaining to the leg.

Urinary Bladder

Organ located in the pelvic cavity.

Lungs

Organs located in the thoracic cavity.

Brain

Organ located in the cranial cavity.

Stomach

Organ located in the abdominopelvic cavity.

Spleen

Organ located in the abdominal cavity.

Spinal Cord

Structure found in the spinal cavity.

Esophagus

Organ located in the thoracic cavity.

Liver

Organ located in the abdominal cavity.

Midsagittal Section

A vertical division of the body into right and left halves.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of flattened cells. Found in the air sacs of lungs and lining of blood vessels, it allows for diffusion and filtration.

Absorption

The process of taking in substances.

Secretion

The process of producing and releasing substances.

Keratinized Epithelium

Epithelium that contains keratin for protection. Primarily found in the epidermis of the skin, it provides robust protection against physical stress and water loss.

Non-Keratinized Epithelium

Epithelium that does not contain keratin. Located in moist linings like the mouth and esophagus, it offers protection against abrasion.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

A type of epithelium appearing to have multiple layers but is single-layered. Often found in the lining of the trachea, it functions in secretion and movement of mucus.

Distensibility

The ability of tissue to stretch.

Adipose Tissue

Connective tissue that stores fat. Found under the skin and around organs, its main functions are energy storage, insulation, and organ protection.

Bone Tissue

Connective tissue that forms the skeletal structure. It supports and protects the body, provides levers for movement, and stores minerals like calcium.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Type of connective tissue that provides strength. Found in tendons and ligaments, it is crucial for attaching muscles to bones and bones to bones, resisting strong tensile forces.

Hyaline Cartilage

Cartilage that is smooth and provides support. Located at the ends of long bones and in the nose, it functions as a resilient cushion and resists compressive stress.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage that is tough and provides support. Found in intervertebral discs and knee menisci, it offers strong tensile strength and superior shock absorption.

Nervous System

The system that coordinates the body’s actions and reactions.

Neurons

Cells that transmit impulses in the nervous system.

Neurological Cells

Support cells in the nervous system.