Anatomical Terminology and Planes (BIO 2300)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomy terms, positions, planes, and directional terms from the notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and how those parts relate to one another.

Microscopic anatomy

Branch of anatomy that requires a microscope to visualize structures; focuses on cells (cytology) and tissues (histology).

Cytology

Study of cells.

Histology

Study of tissues—the group of cells that perform a specific function.

Gross (macroscopic) anatomy

Large-scale anatomy examining structures visible to the naked eye and their relationships.

Systemic anatomy

An approach to anatomy by studying organ systems rather than isolated structures.

Regional anatomy

Study of anatomy by specific body regions, focusing on the relationships of structures within a region.

Developmental anatomy

Study of structural changes from conception through maturity.

Embryology

Study of development before birth.

Surface (surface) anatomy

Study of external features and structures that can be palpated or seen on the body’s surface.

Integumentary system

Skin and its associated structures; the body's outer protective covering.

Skeletal system

Bones and the framework that supports the body.

Muscular system

Muscles and their actions.

Nervous system

Brain, spinal cord, and nerves; controls body activities.

Cardiovascular system

Heart and blood vessels.

Lymphatic system

Lymphatic vessels and nodes involved in fluid balance and immune response.

Anatomical position

Standing upright, facing forward, upper limbs at the sides, palms facing anteriorly.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Superior

Toward the head; closer to the head.

Inferior

Toward the feet; farther from the head.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline; toward the outer side.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Contralateral

On opposite sides of the body.

Unilateral

On one side.

Bilateral

On both sides.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or origin (e.g., shoulder is proximal to elbow).

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin (e.g., fingers are distal to the elbow).

Superficial

Closer to the body surface.

Deep

Farther from the surface; closer to the interior.

Sagittal plane

Plane that divides the body into left and right; midsagittal (midline) may create equal halves.

Midsagittal (median) plane

Plane that passes through the midline, creating equal left and right halves.

Frontal (coronal) plane

Plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Transverse (horizontal) plane

Plane that divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) portions.