Gross Anatomy & Biomechanics: Anatomical Terminology, Planes, and Axes

Comprehensive flashcards covering anatomical terminology, planes, axes, bone processes, body movements, and Range of Motion (ROM) based on the lecture notes.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body

Posterior

Toward the back of the body

Medial

Toward the midline of the body

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body

Superior

Toward the head

Inferior

Away from the head

Superficial

Toward or on the surface of the body

Profundus

Away from the surface of the body

Proximal

Nearer the origin/point of attachment

Distal

Away from the origin of the extremity

Cardinal Planes

Planes that divide the human body into equal halves in three different directions to define how the body moves through space

Sagittal Plane

Plan dividing the body into left and right halves

Frontal or Coronal Plane

Plane dividing the body into front and back portions

Transverse Plane

Plane dividing the body into top (Superior) and bottom (Inferior) portions

Abd-

Prefix meaning from (away)

Add-

Prefix meaning toward, to

Arthro-

Prefix meaning joint

Chondro-

Prefix meaning cartilage

Costal

Term referring to the rib

Medi-

Prefix meaning towards the middle

Infra-

Prefix meaning below

Inter-

Prefix meaning between

Linea

Term meaning line

Sub-

Prefix meaning under

Supra-

Prefix meaning above

Sym / Syn

Prefixes meaning together

Trans-

Prefix meaning across or through

-itis

Suffix meaning inflammation

Brachial

Term referring to the arm

Processes

Any prominent projections of a bone; can be divided into articulating or non-articulating

Head (Articulating Process)

Rounded, articular projection supported by a neck, such as the head of the humerus

Condyle (Articulating Process)

Large, knuckle-like, articular projection, such as the medial condyle of the femur

Facet (Articulating Process)

Smooth, flat surface, such as the superior and inferior articulating facets of the vertebrae

Epicondyle (Non-articulating Process)

Smaller projection above a condyle that serves as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments

Trochanter (Non-articulating Process)

Blunt projection found only on the femur

Tubercle (Non-articulating Process)

Small knob-like, rounded process, such as the greater tubercle of the humerus

Tuberosity (Non-articulating Process)

Large, often rounded, usually roughened process that serves as an attachment spot

Crest (Non-articulating Process)

Prominent border or ridge, such as the iliac crest

Spine (Non-articulating Process)

Sharp slender process, such as the spinous process of a vertebra

Frontal Axis

An axis that runs in a side to side direction, is perpendicular to the sagittal plane, and is also called the lateral axis

Sagittal Axis

An axis that runs in a front to back direction and is perpendicular to the frontal plane; also known as the anteroposterior axis

Longitudinal Axis

An axis that runs up and down, is perpendicular to the transverse plane, and is also called the vertical axis

Oblique Axis

A diagonal axis perpendicular to the oblique plane for motions not in the three standard planes

Flexion

Movement in the sagittal plane about a frontal axis where the angle of a joint becomes smaller

Extension

Movement in the sagittal plane about a frontal axis where the angle of a joint becomes larger

Hyperextension

Extension that goes beyond the anatomic reference position

Dorsiflexion

Ankle or foot movement where the forefoot is raised from the ground

Plantar flexion

Ankle or foot movement where the heel is raised from the ground and toes are pointed away from the shin bone

Nutation/Counternutation

Sacroiliac joint movements involving slight irregular motion in the axis of rotation of the sacrum and pelvis

Abduction

Movement in the frontal plane about a sagittal axis where the distal segment moves away from the midline of the body

Adduction

Movement in the frontal plane about a sagittal axis where the distal segment moves towards the midline of the body

Radial Deviation / Ulnar Deviation

Frontal plane movements used for wrist movements

Inversion

Movement where the sole of the foot moves towards the midline of the body

Eversion

Movement where the sole of the foot moves away from the midline of the body

External Rotation

Movement in the transverse plane about a vertical axis where the anterior surface of the distal segment moves outward; also called lateral rotation

Internal Rotation

Movement in the transverse plane about a vertical axis where the anterior surface of the distal segment moves inward; also called medial rotation

Supination

Forearm movement where the palm is anterior, or foot movement where the plantar surface moves toward the midline

Pronation

Forearm movement where the palm is posterior, or foot movement where the plantar surface moves away from the midline

The Pronated Foot

A condition where the foot is abducted, dorsally flexed, and everted, causing the lower extremity to internally rotate and shorten

The Supinated Foot

A condition where the foot is abducted, plantar flexed, and inverted, causing the lower extremity to externally rotate and lengthen

Range of Motion (ROM)

The measurement of flexibility, which can be measured with goniometry and tends to decrease only slightly with normal aging

Active ROM

The voluntary movement of a joint

Passive ROM

Joint movement being assisted by an externally applied force, such as a physical therapist