Anatomic Reference Systems and Body Planes

A comprehensive set of 500 flashcards covering various aspects of anatomic reference systems, body planes, and medical terminology to aid in exam preparation.

Anatomy

The study of the structures of the body.

Physiology

The study of the functions of the body's structures.

Anatomic Position

The body is upright, facing forward, arms at the side, and palms facing forward.

Body Planes

Imaginary vertical or horizontal lines used to divide the body into sections for descriptive purposes.

Vertical Plane

An up and down plane that is at right angles to the ground.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into unequal right and left portions.

Midsagittal Plane

Divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Frontal Plane (Coronal Plane)

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) portions.

Superior

Refers to the upper part of the body.

Inferior

Refers to the lower part of the body.

Anterior

Refers to the front of the body.

Posterior

Refers to the back of the body.

Body Cavities

Hollow spaces within the body that contain organs.

Structural Units of the Body

The smallest functional parts of the body, such as cells and tissues.

Sagittal

Relating to the sagittal plane; divides body into right and left.

Coronal

Relating to the frontal plane; divides body into anterior and posterior.

Transverse

Relating to the transverse plane; divides body into superior and inferior.

Right Angle

An angle of 90 degrees, as found in vertical planes.

Body Directions

Terms used to explain the location of body parts in relation to other parts.

Descriptive Anatomy

The branch of anatomy concerned with the structure and function of the body.

Biochemistry

The study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.

Horizontal Plane

A plane that is parallel to the ground.

Imaginary Lines

Hypothetical lines that help in describing anatomical locations.

Divisions of the Body

Sections created by body planes for anatomical reference.

Cranial

Pertaining to the skull or cranium.

Caudal

Pertaining to the tail or lower part of the body.

Medial

Towards the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Deep

Further away from the surface of the body.

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or center of the body.

Distal

Further away from the point of attachment or center of the body.

Visceral

Pertaining to the internal organs.

Parietal

Pertaining to the walls of a cavity.

Regional Anatomy

Study of the body's structure by regions.

Systemic Anatomy

Study of the body's systems and their functions.

Clinical Anatomy

Application of anatomical knowledge to clinical practice.

Pathological Anatomy

Study of structural changes in the body due to disease.

Radiographic Anatomy

Study of the body using imaging techniques.

Surface Anatomy

Study of the external features of the body.

Gross Anatomy

Study of the body structures visible to the naked eye.

Microscopic Anatomy

Study of the structures of the body with a microscope.

Developmental Anatomy

Study of the changes in body structure from conception to maturity.

Embryology

Branch of developmental anatomy that studies the development of embryos.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Skeletal System

The body system that includes all of the bones and joints.

Muscular System

The body system that includes all of the muscles.

Nervous System

The system that controls body functions and responses.

Endocrine System

Glands that regulate bodily functions through hormones.

Respiratory System

Organs involved in the exchange of gases.

Cardiovascular System

The system comprising the heart and blood vessels.

Digestive System

The system involved in the processing of food and nutrient absorption.

Urinary System

Organs that filter and remove waste from the body.

Lymphatic System

Part of the circulatory and immune system that includes lymph nodes.

Reproductive System

System involving organs for sexual reproduction.

Body Framework

Skeleton providing shape and support to the body.

Circulation

Movement of blood throughout the body.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food.

Metabolism

All biochemical reactions occurring within the body.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that perform a specific function.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that forms protective surfaces and lines cavities.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports and connects different parts of the body.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue responsible for movement.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that transmits impulses and processes information.

Cell

Basic unit of life, forming the structural and functional foundation of all living organisms.

Organ

A collection of tissues working together to perform a specific function.

System

A group of organs that work together for a common purpose.

Environmental Anatomy

How environmental factors impact the anatomy and physiology of the body.

Anatomical Variations

Differences in anatomy that can occur between individuals.

Adjectives of Anatomy

Terms used to describe anatomical positions and relationships.

Anatomical Terminology

Standardized language used to describe anatomical structures and positions.

Cadaver Anatomy

Study of the human body using cadavers.

Morphology

The study of the form and structure of organisms.

Fossa

A depression or hollow in a bone.

Suture

A seam-like junction between bones of the skull.

Foramen

An opening in a bone for nerves and blood vessels.

Processes

Any projection or outgrowth from a bone.

Landmarks

Reference points used in anatomy to locate structures.

Atlas

First cervical vertebra; supports the skull.

Axis

Second cervical vertebra; allows rotation of the head.

Segment

A portion of the body or anatomical structure.

Plane

A flat surface used to divide the body in anatomy.

Section

A cut or slice of the body used in anatomical studies.

Cross-section

A cut made perpendicular to the long axis of an organ.

Longitudinal Section

A cut made along the long axis of an organ.

Body Regions

Specific areas of the body used to describe locations.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes limbs and girdles.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column, and ribcage.

Osteology

The study of bones.

Arthrology

The study of joints.

Myology

The study of muscles.

Splanchnology

The study of the internal organs.

Neuroanatomy

The study of the anatomy of the nervous system.

Dermatology

The study of the skin.

Endocrinology

The study of glands and hormones.

Cardiology

The study of the heart and its functions.

Hematology

The study of blood.

Immunology

The study of the immune system.