Introduction to Human Anatomy and Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering introductory anatomical structures, cellular biology, genetics terms, directional terminology, anatomical planes, and body cavities based on the lecture transcript.

Zygote

A single fertilized cell that is the result of the union of a male sperm and a female egg, serving as the building block and beginning of a human being.

Cytology

The study of the cell, including cellular structure and function.

Cytologist

A specialist who studies the cell, including its structure, chemistry, and pathology.

Fertilization

The union of a male sperm and a female egg.

Tissue

A collection of similar cells.

Catabolism

The process of breaking down complex substances in the body.

Chromosome

A body within the cell that contains DNA and genes.

Chromatin

Uncondensed DNA that condenses with histone proteins to form a chromosome.

Genes

The hereditary material located on the chromosomes.

Mitosis

The process through which cells replicate.

Human Karyotype

The full set of human chromosomes lined up in pairs.

Cytogenetics

The study of chromosome abnormalities to determine the cause of developmental delays, birth defects, and dysmorphic features.

Gene Therapy

An experimental technique to replace a mutated gene that causes disease.

Predictive Medicine

A medical approach that looks at the probability of a disease to allow preventative measures to be taken.

Connective Tissue

Primary tissue type that binds, supports, and protects other tissues and organs; examples include bone, cartilage, and fat.

Epithelial Tissue

Primary tissue type that forms the lining of internal organs and functions to protect, secrete, absorb, and excrete.

Nervous Tissue

Primary tissue type that transmits impulses for coordination and sensory reception, found in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Anatomical Position

The standard reference posture where a person stands erect, face pointing forward, arms at the sides, palms facing forward, and feet pointing forward.

Superior

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the head, upper, or above.

Inferior

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the feet, lower, or below.

Anterior (Ventral)

Anatomical directional term meaning further to the front or in front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Anatomical directional term meaning further to the back or in back of the body.

Medial

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Anatomical directional term meaning toward the side of the body or away from the midline.

Midline

An imaginary line that divides the body vertically into left and right halves.

Proximal

Anatomical directional term meaning closer to the axial body or toward the trunk of the body.

Distal

Anatomical directional term meaning further from the axial body or further from the trunk of the body.

Superficial

Anatomical directional term meaning closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Anatomical directional term meaning further away from the surface of the body.

Axial Body

The core part of the body consisting of the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Body

The limbs or appendages that are added to the axial body.

Frontal Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into front and back portions.

Sagittal Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into left and right portions.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal anatomical plane that divides the body into top and bottom portions.

Caudal

Directional term meaning pertaining to or near the tail / downwards.

Cephalic

Directional term meaning pertaining to or near the head / upwards.

Supine

Body position describing a person lying flat on their back.

Prone

Body position describing a person lying flat on their stomach.

Epigastric Region

Abdominal region located above the stomach.

Hypogastric Region

Abdominal region located below the stomach.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The combined cavity referring to all organs contained within the abdominal and pelvic regions.