Biol 162 Lab

Superior

Describes the vertical position higher than another structure

Inferior

Describes a position lower than another structure.

Anterior

Describes the position toward the front of the body or structure.

Posterior

Describes the position toward the back of the body or structure.

Medial

Describes a position closer to the midline of the body or structure.

Lateral

Describes a position farther from the midline of the body or structure.

Proximal

Describes a position closer to the point of attachment or origin of a limb or structure.

Distal

Describes a position farther from the point of attachment or origin of a limb or structure.

Cranial

Describes the position of a structure towards the head.

Caudal

Describes the position of a structure toward the tail or rear. 2

Dorsal

Refers to a structure that is an upper structure. (Organism walking on all fours, Ex: Dog’s backbone)

Ventral

The lower structures of an organism walking on all fours.

Head

The prominent expanded end of a bone.

Shaft

The long middle portion of a bone.

Crest

A narrow ridge.

Line

A narrow raised area, smaller than a crest.

Process

A bony projection.

Condyle

A smooth, rounded projection that articulates with another bone. Have small, round projections just above them called EPICONDYLES.

Trochanter

A very large, rough-looking process found only on the femur.

Spine

A narrow or sharp process. Can be pointed structures, or they can be more like tall, very narrow ridges.

Tubercle

A small rounded process.

Tuberosity

A rough area or surface on a bone where a muscle attaches.

Fossa

A shallow depression.

Sulcus

A groove that allows a nerve or blood vessel to pass.

Foramen

A round hole through a bone that allows nerves and blood vessels through.

Canal

A _____ or tunnel through a bone.

Meatus

Also a canal or tunnel through a bone.

Fissure

A narrow slit through a bone.

Foramen spinosum

Styloid process

Occipital condyle

Mandibular fossa

Carotid canal

Mastoid process

Foramen magnum

Nuchal lines