First Exam Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy

study of the structure of body parts and their relationship to one another

Physiology

study of the function of body parts how they work to carry out life sustaining activities

Superior (cranial)

towards the head end or upper part of a structure or the body above

example: The head is superior to the abdomen

Inferior (caudal)

away from the head end or towards the lower part of a structure or the body: below

example the naval is inferior to the chin

Anterior (ventral)

toward or at the front of the body; in front of

example: the breastbone is anterior to the spine

Posterior (dorsal)

toward or at the back of the body: behind

example the heart is posterior to the breastbone

medial

toward or at the midline of the body on the inner side of

example: the heart is medial to the arm

lateral

away from the midline of the body on the outer side of

example the arms are lateral to the chest

intermediate

between a more medial and a more lateral structure

example: the collarbone is intermediate between the breastbone and shoulder

Proximal

closer to the origin of the body part of the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

example: the elbow is proximal to the wrist