Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions related to anatomy and physiology.

Anatomy

The study of the structures of living organisms and their parts.

Physiology

The study of the functions of living organisms and their parts.

Ventral

Away from the backbone, toward the front.

Dorsal

Toward the backbone or back of the body.

Anterior

Toward the front.

Posterior

Toward the back.

Superior

Upper, toward the top of the body.

Inferior

Lower, toward the bottom of the body.

Cranial/Rostral

Toward the head.

Caudal

Toward the tail.

Medial

Toward the axis or midline.

Lateral

Away from the axis or midline.

Proximal

Toward the body or root of an extremity.

Distal

Away from the body or root of an extremity.

Flexion

Decrease in angle between two structures.

Extension

Increase in angle between two structures.

Abduction

Drawing away from the midline of the body or limb.

Adduction

Drawing toward the midline of the body or limb.

Sagittal Plane

Vertical plane that cuts the body into right and left halves.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Vertical plane that cuts the body into front and back halves.

Transverse Plane

Horizontal cut into upper and lower halves.

Epithelial Tissue

A type of tissue that covers body surfaces and lines cavities.

Connective Tissue

A type of tissue that supports, binds together, and protects tissues and organs.

Muscle Tissue

A type of tissue responsible for movement.

Nervous Tissue

A type of tissue that transmits impulses and processes information.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells, responsible for transporting oxygen to cells.

Leukocytes

White blood cells, responsible for fighting infections.

Plasma

The watery part of blood.