Anatomy and Physiology - Week 1 Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from Anatomy and Physiology lecture notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

Gross or macroscopic anatomy

Large visible body structures (heart, lungs, kidney etc.).

Regional Anatomy

Study of all the structure in a particular region of the body (leg, abdomen etc.).

Systemic Anatomy

Study a particular system at a time.

Microscopic Anatomy

Deals with structures that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Cytology

Relates to the cells.

Histology

Study of the tissues.

Physiology

The study of the function of the body’s.

Anatomical Position

Body erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward, thumbs point away from body.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into right and left parts.

Midsagittal or Medial Plane

Sagittal plane that lies on the midline.

Frontal or Coronal Plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Transverse or Horizontal Plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Oblique Section

Cuts made diagonally.

Dorsal Cavity

Protects the nervous system, and is divided into two subdivisions.

Cranial Cavity

Within the skull; encases the brain.

Vertebral Cavity

Runs within the vertebral column; encases the spinal cord.

Ventral Cavity

Houses the internal organs (viscera), and is divided into two subdivisions.

Abdominal Cavity

Contains the stomach, intestines, spleen, liver, and other organs.

Pelvic Cavity

Lies within the pelvis and contains the bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum.

Superior (Cranial)

Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above.

Inferior (Caudal)

Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below.

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of.

Proximal

Closer to the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Ipsilateral

On the same side.

Contralateral

On opposite sides.

Anterior (Ventral)

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

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Four abdominopelvic areas formed by two perpendicular lines that intersect at the navel.

Abdominopelvic Regions

Nine abdominopelvic areas that provide more precise regional descriptions.