General A&P Terminology 2

Anatomical Position

Provides a baseline reference point for areas of the body. In this position the body is erect, the feet are slightly apart, the head is upright, the arms are to the sides and the palms are facing forward.

Dorsal Cavity

Includes cranial and spinal cavity

Ventral Cavity

Includes the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities

Thoracic Cavity

Includes two pleural cavities, which contains the lungs and the pericardial cavity, which contains the heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Divided into the abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity.

Abdominal Cavity

Contains the digestive organs

Pelvic Cavity

Contains the reproductive organs, the urinary bladder, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Histology

Study of tissues

Tissue

A group of cells that act together to perform a specific function

Four types of tissue

Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, and nervous

Epithelial Tissue

Covers, lines, and protects the body and its internal organs.

Glandular Epithelial Tissue

Secretes substances such as mucus, enzymes, and hormones.

Connective Tissue

Most abundant tissue in the body. Forms the framework of the body, providing support and structure for organs. Types include fibrous (adipose, areolar, reticular, dense), bone, cartilage, and blood.

Nervous Tissue

Composed of neurons, which initiate and conduct nerve impulses. Also composed of connective tissue cells called neuroglia, which supports neurons.

Muscle Tissue

Has the ability to contract or shorten, as well as to lengthen.