Intro to Human Anatomy and Structure Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers introductory human anatomy concepts including skeletal systems, muscular classifications, neurological structures, and anatomical terminology based on the lecture notes.

Osteology

The study of bones.

Arthrology

The study of joints.

Myology

The study of muscles.

Axial Skeleton

Bones situated along the long axis of the body, consisting of the head, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.

Appendicular Skeleton

The skeleton of the upper and lower limbs.

Sesamoid Bones

Bones suspended in soft tissue, such as the patella in the patellar tendon, not joined directly to other bones.

Fibrous Joints

Joints composed of fibrous tissue with very limited mobility, primarily serving for stability, such as skull sutures.

Cartilaginous Joints

Joints mainly composed of cartilage with limited movement, found between the sternum and ribs or between vertebrae.

Synovial Joints

The most common and movable joints in the body, characterized by a fluid-filled synovial cavity between articulating bones.

Ligaments

Connective tissue structures that connect bone to bone.

Tendons

Commonly composed of collagen and elastin, these structures connect muscles to bones, other muscles, or different structures.

Anatomical Position

The standard reference position where the person is facing forward with hands at the sides and palms facing in front.

Anterior (Ventral)

Directional term meaning towards the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Directional term meaning towards the back of the body.

Superior (Cranial)

Directional term meaning towards the head.

Inferior (Caudal)

Directional term meaning towards the feet.

Medial

A relative position describing a structure closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

A relative position describing a structure away from the midline of the body.

Superficial

A position closer to the skin.

Deep

A position further away from the skin.

Proximal

A term used for limbs meaning closer to the trunk region.

Distal

A term used for limbs meaning further away (abeam) from the trunk.

Sagittal Plane

A plane of section that divides the body into right and left parts.

Transverse Plane

A plane of section that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A plane of section that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Somites

Segmental groups of embryonic cells that develop into muscles, bones (except the skull), and the dermis of the skin.

Vertebral Foramen

The central opening in an individual vertebra that allows for the passage of the spinal cord.

Intervertebral Foramina

Openings formed between adjacent vertebrae that serve as gateways for spinal nerves to exit.

Ligamentum Flavum

A yellow-colored vertebral ligament located between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary, striated muscle under conscious control, typically found in limbs.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary, unstriated muscle found in tubular organs like the intestine and stomach.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary, striated muscle found specifically in the heart.

Epaxial Muscles

Muscles located dorsal (posterior) to the transverse processes of the vertebrae, primarily comprising the back muscles.

Hypaxial Muscles

Muscles located ventral (anterior) to the transverse processes of the vertebrae, forming the lateral and anterior body walls and limbs.

Origin

The fixed, non-movable attachment point of a muscle.

Insertion

The movable attachment point of a muscle that is pulled toward the origin during contraction.

Meninges

The three protective layers of membranes covering the brain and spinal cord: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Conus Medullaris

The cone-shaped tapering end of the spinal cord, typically terminating at the $L1$ or $L2$ vertebral level.

Cauda Equina

The collection of spinal nerve roots below the $L2$ level that resembles a ponytail.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'fight, flight, or fright' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' functions and maintaining homeostasis.

Peristalsis

The rhythmic, squeezing, and pushing smooth muscle contractions that move food through the gut tube.

Mesenteries

Double-layered extensions of the peritoneum that hold organs in place and provide pathways for blood vessels and nerves.

Retroperitoneal

A term for organs that lose their mesentery during development and attach directly to the posterior body wall, such as the kidneys and pancreas.

Gubernaculum

An embryonic ligament that connects the gonad to the external genitalia and guides its descent.