Anatomy Lecture – Class Policies, Terminology & Body Organization

A comprehensive set of question-and-answer flashcards covering class policies, grading criteria, anatomical terminology, planes, movements, body cavities, and organ systems from the lecture notes.

Describe the anatomical position of the human body.

Body erect, feet forward, arms at sides with palms facing forward, head and eyes forward.

Why is the anatomical position important in anatomy?

It provides a reference position that gives meaning to all directional terms.

Define the directional term “anterior (ventral)”.

Toward the front of the body.

Define the directional term “posterior (dorsal)”.

Toward the back of the body.

Define the directional term “superior (cephalic)”.

Toward the top (head) of the body.

Define the directional term “inferior (caudal)”.

Toward the bottom (tail end) of the body.

Define the directional term “medial”.

Toward the midline of the body.

Define the directional term “lateral”.

Away from the midline; toward the side.

Define the directional term “proximal”.

Toward the trunk or point of attachment.

Define the directional term “distal”.

Away from the trunk or point of attachment.

What does the term “deep” mean in anatomy?

Toward the interior of the body; away from the surface.

What does the term “superficial” mean in anatomy?

Toward or at the body surface.

Which anatomical plane divides the body into left and right parts?

Sagittal plane.

What is the midsagittal plane?

A sagittal plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Which plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions?

Frontal (coronal) plane.

Which plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions?

Horizontal (transverse) plane.

What movement decreases the angle between two body parts?

Flexion.

What movement increases the angle between two body parts?

Extension.

Which movement takes a limb away from the midline?

Abduction.

Which movement brings a limb toward the midline?

Adduction.

What is medial (internal) rotation?

Rotational movement toward the midline.

What is lateral (external) rotation?

Rotational movement away from the midline.

Define dorsiflexion at the ankle.

Flexion so the foot points superiorly.

Define plantarflexion at the ankle.

Extension so the foot points inferiorly.

Which dorsal cavity subdivision houses the brain?

Cranial cavity.

Which dorsal cavity subdivision contains the spinal cord?

Spinal cavity.

What dome-shaped muscle separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities?

The diaphragm.

Name two organs located in the thoracic cavity.

Heart and lungs.

Which ventral cavity subdivision contains the stomach and liver?

Abdominal cavity (part of the abdominopelvic cavity).

Which ventral cavity subdivision contains the bladder and reproductive organs?

Pelvic cavity.

What is contained in the oral cavity?

Teeth and tongue; it is continuous with the digestive tract.

What organs are found in the mediastinum?

Heart, trachea, and esophagus.

Into how many regions is the abdominopelvic cavity subdivided for detailed study?

Nine regions.

How many quadrants are formed by a single horizontal and vertical line through the abdominopelvic cavity?

Four quadrants.

What is the principal organ of the integumentary system?

Skin.

List two primary functions of the integumentary system.

Protection and temperature regulation (also sensation).

What structures make up the skeletal system?

Bones and ligaments.

State two primary functions of the skeletal system.

Support/protection and movement (also mineral storage and blood production).

What organs compose the nervous system?

Brain, spinal cord, nerves, and sensory organs.

What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

Exchange and transport of materials (blood circulation).

Which organs belong to the lymphatic system?

Lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, spleen, thymus, and tonsils.

What is the main function of the lymphatic system?

Immunity and fluid balance.