Human Anatomy Terms Quiz

Anatomy

the scientific discipline that studies the STRUCTURE and organization of living organisms

Physiology

the sceintfici discipline that studies the FUNCTION of living organisms

Anatomical Position

refers to a person standing erect with the face directed forward, arms to the side, and palms of hands facing forward.

Lateral

away from the midline

medial

toward midline

proximal

nearer/closer (to attatchment of limb to the torso)

distal

further (to attatchment of lim to the torso)

anterior/ventral

closer to the front

posterior/dorsal

back or closer to the back

superior/cranial/cephalic

up or further up

inferior/caudal

down or further down

supine

laying face (or palm) up

prone

laying face (or palm) down

Median Plane (mid sagittal)

Divides the body into equal right and left halves, runs thru midline

sagittal plane (parasagittal)

divides body into unequal right and left halves, doesn’t run thru midline

Coronal/Frontal Plane

divides into anterior and posterior

Transverse Plane (Horizontal)

divides into superior and inferior parts

axial skeleton

Bones of the skull, vertebrae, ribs,

sternum, and sacrum

Appendicular skeleton

bones of limbs including the shoulder and pelvic girdles

Axial skeleton

support and protection

appendicular skeleton

movement

foramen

hole/round opening in bone

meatus

passage/tunnel through bone

sinus

cavity filled w air and covered in mucuous membrane

fossa

hollow or depressed area

condyle

rounded articular area

epicondyle

projection superior to a condyle

tubercle

small raised projection

tuberosity

large rounded projection

line

a linear elevation

spine

a sharo pointed ridge (very prominent)

skeletal system functions

support, movement, protection, mineral reserve, hemopoiesis

head of bone

enlarged articular end

neck of bone

narrower part between head and body

body of bone

“main part” of bone

long bones

long/tubular (ex. femur)

short bones

cube shaped and found only in ankle and wrist (ex cuboidal)

flat bones

flat/curved, often serve protective functions ex. skull

irregular

have shapes other than long, short, and flat bones (ex. sacrum)