Mastering Healthcare Terminology

Flashcards for reviewing medical terminology related to the organization of the body, directional terms, body cavities, and planes of the body.

Body systems

A group of organs working together to perform a specific function in the human body.

Organs

A structure in the body consisting of multiple tissues working together to perform specific functions.

Tissues

A group of similar cells performing a specific function.

Cells

The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical processes that occur in an organism.

Anabolism

The process of building up complex molecules from simpler ones.

Catabolism

The process of breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones.

Cell membrane

The outer boundary of a cell, which separates it from the external environment.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance inside a cell, containing organelles and other cellular components.

Lysosome

An organelle in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells containing degradative enzymes enclosed in a membrane.

Ribosome

A complex molecular machine found within all living cells that serves as the site of biological protein synthesis (translation).

Mitochondrion

A membrane-bound cell organelle that generates most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell's biochemical reactions.

Nucleus

A dense organelle present in most eukaryotic cells, typically a single rounded structure bounded by a double membrane, containing the genetic material.

Epithelial tissue

A type of tissue that covers surfaces of the body.

Connective tissue

A type of tissue that supports, connects, or separates different types of tissues and organs in the body.

Muscular tissue

A type of tissue composed of cells that have the special ability to shorten or contract in order to produce movement of the body parts.

Nervous tissue

A type of tissue found in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that coordinates and controls many body activities.

Apex

The pointed extremity of an organ.

Body

Largest, most important part of organ.

Fundus

Base, deepest part of organ.

Fornix

Arched part of organ or structure.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body.

Physiology

The study of the function of the body and its parts.

Pathology

The study of the nature and cause of disease.

Anatomic position

Standing erect, face forward, arms at sides, with palms facing forward and toes pointed forward.

Cephalic

Relating to the head.

Cervical

Relating to the neck.

Brachial

Relating to the arm.

Femoral

Relating to the femur or thigh.

Anterior

Situated at or toward the front of the body; ventral.

Posterior

Situated at or toward the back of the body; dorsal.

Superior

Above; toward the head.

Inferior

Below; toward the feet.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Ipsilateral

On the same side.

Contralateral

On the opposite side.

Unilateral

Relating to one side.

Bilateral

Relating to two sides.

Proximal

Nearer to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Away from the point of attachment or origin.

Superficial

Near the surface.

Deep

Away from the surface.

Supine

Lying face upward.

Prone

Lying face downward.

Afferent

Carrying toward.

Efferent

Carrying away.

Cranial cavity

Contains the brain.

Spinal cavity

Contains the spinal cord.

Thoracic cavity

Chest cavity.

Abdominal cavity

Contains primarily the major organs of digestion.

Pelvic cavity

Contains urinary and reproductive organs.

Mediastinum

Space between the lungs.

Pleural cavity

Contains the lungs.

Peritoneum

Membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body into left and right portions.

Frontal/coronal plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Transverse plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior portions.