Unit 1 Laboratory List of Terms

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts related to the human body and its organization.

Atom

The basic unit of a chemical element.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together.

Organelle

Specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function.

Cell

The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism.

Tissue

A group of cells that work together to perform a function.

Organ

A structure composed of different types of tissues that work together.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Organism

A living entity made up of various systems.

Body Systems

Groups of organs that perform specific functions.

Integumentary System

Protects the body; includes skin, hair, and nails.

Skeletal System

Provides structure and support; consists of bones.

Muscular System

Facilitates movement; made up of muscles.

Nervous System

Controls body functions through electrical signals.

Circulatory System

Transports blood and nutrients throughout the body.

Endocrine System

Regulates body functions through hormones.

Lymphatic System

Supports immune function and fluid balance.

Digestive System

Breaks down food for nutrient absorption.

Respiratory System

Facilitates gas exchange; includes lungs.

Urinary System

Removes waste from the body; regulates water.

Reproductive System

Facilitates reproduction and the production of offspring.

Directional Terms

Terms that explain the positions of structures in relation to one another.

Left

Towards the left side of the body.

Right

Towards the right side of the body.

Superior (Cranial)

Above; toward the head.

Inferior (Caudal)

Below; toward the feet.

Anterior (Ventral)

Front side of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Back side of the body.

Medial

Closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Farther from the midline.

Intermediate

Between two structures.

Proximal

Closer to the origin of the body part.

Distal

Farther from the origin.

Superficial (External)

Near the surface.

Deep (Internal)

Away from the surface.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into left and right portions.

Midsagittal (Median) Plane

Divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Parasagittal Plane

Divides the body into unequal left and right portions.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Body Regions

Specific areas of the body recognized by anatomical terms.

Cephalic

Referring to the head region.

Frontal

Referring to the forehead.

Orbital

Relating to the eye socket.

Nasal

Relating to the nose.

Buccal

Relating to the cheek.

Oral

Referring to the mouth.

Mental

Referring to the chin.

Otic

Referring to the ear.

Occipital

Relating to the back of the head.

Cervical

Relating to the neck.

Thoracic

Referring to the chest region.

Sternal

Referring to the breastbone area.

Axillary

Referring to the armpit region.

Mammary

Referring to the breast.

Abdominal

Pertaining to the abdomen.

Umbilical

Referring to the navel.

Pelvic

Referring to the lower part of the torso.

Inguinal

Related to the groin area.

Pubic (Hypogastric)

Referring to the region above the pubic area.

Upper Limb

The arm area including shoulder to fingertip.

Lower Limb

The leg area including hip to toe.

Coxal

Referring to the hip region.

Femoral

Referring to the thigh.

Patellar

Referring to the kneecap.

Popliteal

Referring to the back of the knee.

Crural

Referring to the leg.

Sural

Referring to the calf.

Fibular (Peroneal)

Referring to the side of the leg.

Pedal

Referring to the foot.

Tarsal

Referring to the ankle.

Calcaneal

Referring to the heel.

Metatarsal

Referring to the bones of the foot between tarsal bones and toes.

Plantar

Referring to the sole of the foot.

Hallux

Referring to the big toe.

Digital

Referring to the fingers or toes.

Back

Referring to the posterior side of the body.

Scapular

Referring to the shoulder blade.

Vertebral

Relating to the spine.

Lumbar

Referring to the lower back.

Sacral

Referring to the region of the sacrum.

Gluteal

Referring to the buttocks.

Perineal

Referring to the area between the anus and genitals.

Body Cavities

Hollow spaces within the body that contain organs.

Cranial Cavity

Contains the brain.

Vertebral (Spinal) Cavity

Contains the spinal cord.

Dorsal Cavity

Contains the cranial and vertebral cavities.

Ventral Cavity

Contains thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Nasal Cavity

Contains structures of the nose.

Oral Cavity

Contains the mouth.

Middle Ear Cavity

Contains the bones of the ear.

Thoracic Cavity

Contains pleural and pericardial cavities.

Pleural Cavity

Contains the lungs.

Mediastinum

Space between the lungs containing the heart.

Pericardial Cavity

Contains the heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Contains the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Abdominal Cavity

Contains digestive organs.

Pelvic Cavity

Contains the urinary bladder and reproductive organs.

Membranes

Layers of tissue that cover organs.

Serous Membranes

Thin membranes that line body cavities and cover organs.

Parietal Pericardium

Membrane lining the pericardial cavity.