Chapter 1-3: The Basics - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering anatomical position, terms of direction, planes, body cavities, serous membranes, and homeostatic mechanisms.

Anatomical Position

Standing with arms at the sides, palms forward, head facing forward; the standard reference position for anatomical terminology.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body; belly side.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Superior

Toward the top of the head; used for the axial region only.

Inferior

Toward the feet or lower part; used for the axial region only.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment to the body; used for the appendicular region.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment to the body; used for the appendicular region.

Superficial

Toward or nearer the surface of the body.

Deep

Farther from the surface; toward the interior.

Right

The body's right side.

Left

The body's left side.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into right and left portions.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Divides the body into top and bottom portions.

Coronal Plane

Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) portions.

Supine

Lying on the back with the anterior surface facing up.

Prone

Lying face down with the anterior surface facing down.

Dorsal Cavity

The posterior body cavity containing the cranial cavity and vertebral (spinal) cavity; lined by meninges.

Cranial Cavity

Space within the skull that houses the brain; lined by meninges.

Vertebral (Spinal) Cavity

Space inside the vertebral column that houses the spinal cord; lined by meninges.

Meninges

Membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, lining the dorsal cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

Chest cavity that contains the pleural cavities, pericardial cavity, and mediastinum.

Pleural Cavities

Two cavities surrounding the lungs; lined by pleural membranes.

Pericardial Cavity

Cavity around the heart; lined by pericardial membranes.

Mediastinum

Space between the pleural cavities; contains the heart, trachea, and other structures.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The combined space containing the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Abdominal Cavity

Contains most of the digestive organs; lined by peritoneum.

Pelvic Cavity

Contains pelvic organs; lined by peritoneum.

Peritoneum

Serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity and covering many abdominal organs.

Peritoneal Membranes

Serous membranes surrounding abdominal organs; includes visceral and parietal layers.

Pleural Membranes

Serous membranes surrounding the lungs; consisting of visceral and parietal layers.

Pericardial Membranes

Serous membranes surrounding the heart; consisting of visceral and parietal layers.

Retroperitoneal Space

Area behind the peritoneal membranes.

Visceral Pericardium

The serous membrane layer in contact with the heart.

Visceral Pleura

The serous membrane layer in contact with the lungs.

Visceral Peritoneum

The serous membrane layer in contact with abdominal organs.

Parietal Pericardium

The serous membrane lining the pericardial cavity.

Parietal Pleura

The serous membrane lining the thoracic cavity around the lungs.

Parietal Peritoneum

The serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity wall.

Mesenteries

Sections of the peritoneum that arrange blood vessels and nerves to organs.

Greater Omentum

An extension of peritoneum that drapes from the stomach over the intestines.

Lesser Omentum

A smaller peritoneal extension connecting the stomach with the liver.

Homeostasis

A steady internal environment maintained by regulatory mechanisms.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that reverses a change to return toward homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that reinforces a change, moving away from homeostasis.