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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)
