PSK4UE Unit 3 Review

Anatomical Position

The universally accepted reference posture used to describe the locations and relationships of anatomical parts of the body.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of the body.

Inferior

Away from the head or toward the lower part of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment (usually limb to trunk).

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Vertical plane that divides the body into front and back parts.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Horizontal plane that divides the body into top and bottom parts.

Sagittal (Median) Plane

Vertical plane that divides the body into left and right halves.

Horizontal Axis

Extends from side to side of the body.

Longitudinal Axis

Runs vertically from head to toe (also called polar axis).

Antero-Posterior Axis

Extends from the front to the back of the body.

Flexion

Bending at a joint so the angle decreases (e.g., bending the elbow).

Extension

Opposite of flexion; straightening to increase joint angle.

Abduction

Moving a limb away from the body's midline (e.g., raising arm sideways).

Adduction

Moving a limb toward the body's midline.

Plantar Flexion

Pointing the toes downward (e.g., standing on tiptoes).

Dorsiflexion

Bending the ankle upward, bringing the top of the foot closer to the shin.

Supination

Rotating the wrist so the palm faces forward (e.g., catching underhand).

Pronation

Rotating the wrist so the palm faces backward/down.

Inversion

Twisting the ankle to stand on the outer edge of the foot (e.g., rolled ankle).

Eversion

Twisting the ankle to stand on the inner edge of the foot.

External Rotation

Twisting a body part outward, away from the midline (e.g., turning toes out).

Internal Rotation

Twisting a body part inward, toward the midline.

Elevation

Moving a body part upward (e.g., shrugging the shoulders).

Depression

Moving a body part downward (e.g., relaxing/slouching the shoulders).

Circumduction

A circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction (e.g., "windmill" arm motion by a softball pitcher).

Human Skeleton

The adult skeleton contains 206 bones, making up about 14% of total body weight.

Musculoskeletal System

The musculoskeletal system is composed of bones, joints, and muscles that provide form, support, and stability, and enable movement.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary; found in internal organs.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary; found in the heart.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary; attached to bones; responsible for movement.

Frontal Plane

This plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. It passes from the left to the right side of the body.

Lateral Flexion

Side-to-side bending of the spine.

Radial Deviation

Moving the wrist toward the thumb side.

Ulnar Deviation

Moving the wrist toward the pinky side.

Scapular Elevation

Shrugging the shoulders up.

Scapular Depression

Moving the shoulders down.

Ankle Dorsiflexion

Pulling the top of the foot toward the shin.

Ankle Plantar Flexion

Pointing the foot away from the shin.

Horizontal Adduction

Moving a limb across the body in the horizontal plane.

Horizontal Abduction

Moving a limb away from the body in the horizontal plane.

Spinal Rotation

Twisting the torso.

Internal (Medial) Rotation

Rotating a limb toward the midline.

External (Lateral) Rotation

Rotating a limb away from the midline.

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Away from the surface of the body.

Unilateral

Involving one side of the body.

Bilateral

Involving both sides of the body.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Contralateral

On opposite sides of the body.