Anatomical Terminology and Cellular Function

These flashcards cover key anatomical terminology, definitions related to cell biology, and concepts of tonicity, helping to reinforce understanding for the exam.

Anterior/Ventral

Towards or at the front of the body; in front.

Posterior/Dorsal

Towards or at the back of the body; behind.

Superior

Above, toward the head.

Inferior

Below, away from the head.

Proximal

Closer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk.

Distal

Further from the attachment of a limb to the trunk.

Medial

Towards or at the body’s longitudinal midline.

Lateral

Away from the body’s longitudinal midline.

Supine

Lying face up, palms facing up.

Prone

Lying face down, palms facing the floor.

Superficial

Towards or at the body surface.

Deep

Away from the body surface.

Transverse/Horizontal

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Frontal/Coronal

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Midsagittal

A vertical plane that passes through the midline of the body and divides the body into equal left and right portions.

Parasagittal

A vertical plane that does not pass through the midline of the body and divides the body into unequal left and right portions.

Oblique

A diagonal plane that divides the body at an angle.

Tonicity

The ability of a solution to cause a change in cell shape or tone by osmosis.

Isotonic solution

Solution with the same concentration of water and impermeable solutes as inside the cell; no net movement of water.

Hypertonic solution

Higher concentration of solutes than inside the cell; causes water to leave the cell.

Hypotonic solution

Lower concentration of solutes than inside the cell; causes water to enter the cell.

Haematocrit

The percent of blood volume that is red blood cells.

Crenation

The process where red blood cells shrink due to water loss in a hypertonic solution.

Hemolysis

The process where red blood cells burst due to water intake in a hypotonic solution.

Plasma membrane

The selectively permeable barrier that separates the cell from the interstitial fluid.

Active transport

The movement of substances across a membrane using energy, against their concentration gradient.

Passive transport

The movement of substances down concentration gradients without energy input.

Osmosis

The net diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane.

Flexion

A bending movement that reduces the angle at a joint.

Extension

A movement which increases the angle between bones, 'straightening'.

Abduction

Movement of a bone away from the midline.

Adduction

Movement of a bone towards the midline.

Circumduction

Movement where the end of a limb describes a circle while the limb moves.

Elevation

Upward movement of a body part.

Depression

Downward movement of a body part.

Opposition

Movement of the thumb to touch the tips of the fingers.