Week 1 Concepts

Anatomy

The study of body structure(s), morphology, and the relationships of body parts.

Microscopic Anatomy

A branch of anatomy that requires the use of a microscope to study the structure of cells and tissues.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Macroscopic (Gross) Anatomy

The study of anatomy with the naked eye.

Physiology

The study of the function of body parts and how they interact.

Pectus Excavatum

A congenital anomaly of the thoracic cage, giving the chest a sunken appearance, often leading to dyspnea.

Complementarity of Structure & Function

The principle that states function is highly dependent on structure.

Anatomical Position

The standard frame of reference used in anatomical descriptions; the body is standing erect, head facing forward, arms at the sides, palms facing forward, and feet together.

Anterior

Refers to the front of the body or organ.

Posterior

Refers to the back of the body or organ.

Ventral

Pertaining to the belly side of the body; synonymous with anterior.

Dorsal

Referring to the back of the body; synonymous with posterior.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment of a limb to the body.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment of a limb to the body.

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Farther from the surface of the body.

Afferent

Flow toward a reference point; for example, venous blood flow to the heart.

Efferent

Flow away from a reference point; for example, arterial blood flow from the heart.

Palmar

Refers to the surface of the hands that contains the digits with fingerprints.

Dorsal Surface of the Hand

Refers to the back of the hand.

Cranial Region

Pertaining to the skull.

Thoracic Region

Pertaining to the chest cavity.

Lumbar Region

Pertaining to the lower back.

Abdominal Region

Referring to the part of the body between the thorax and pelvis.

Gluteal Region

Referring to the buttocks.

Brachial Region

Referring to the upper arm.

Femoral Region

Referring to the thigh.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic condition affecting red blood cells' shape, impairing gas transport.

Recap Example: Anterior

The breast is —— to the buttocks.

Recap Example: Proximal

The elbow is ——— to the fingers.

Directional Terms: Caudal

Toward the tail or bottom of a structure.

Directional Terms: Cephalad

Toward the head or top of a structure.

Unity of Structure and Function

The concept that the form of an organ or body structure directly relates to its function.

Contralateral

On opposite sides of the body (right and left)

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body (right or left)