Anatomy and Physiology - Language of Anatomy Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic anatomical terminology, directional terms, body planes, cavities, and body movements.

Anatomy

The study of body structure.

Physiology

The study of how body parts function.

Anatomical position

A standardized method of observing or imaging the body where a person stands erect, facing the observer, with upper extremities at the sides, palms turned forward, and feet flat on the floor.

Superior

Directional term meaning toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above.

Inferior

Directional term meaning away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below.

Ventral (Anterior)

Directional term meaning toward or at the front of the body; in front of.

Dorsal (Posterior)

Directional term meaning toward or at the backside of the body; behind.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline of the body; on the outer side.

Intermediate

Directional term meaning between a more medial and a more lateral structure.

Ipsilateral

Term describing structures located on the same side of the body as another structure.

Contralateral

Term describing structures located on the opposite side of the body from another structure.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the origin of a body part or point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the origin of a body part or point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Superficial

Directional term referring to structures that are toward or closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Directional term meaning away from the surface of the body; more internal.

Axillary

Regional term referring to the armpit.

Brachial

Regional term referring to the arm.

Cervical

Regional term referring to the neck.

Sural

Regional term referring to the calf.

Median plane

An imaginary plane (midsagittal) that divides the body or an organ into equal left and right parts.

Paramedian plane

An imaginary plane that divides the body into unequal right and left portions.

Frontal plane

An imaginary plane (coronal section) that divides the body or an organ into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Transverse plane

An imaginary plane (cross section) that divides the body or an organ into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Mediastinum

An anatomical region in the central part of the thoracic cavity located between the pleural cavities, extending from the sternum to the vertebral column and from the first rib to the diaphragm.

Serous membrane

A membrane that lines the walls of the thoracic and abdominal cavities and covers the organs contained within them.

Endoscopy

A procedure involving the visual examination of the inside of body organs or cavities using a lighted instrument with lenses called an endoscope.

Flexion

A movement that decreases the angle of a joint and brings two bones closer together.

Extension

A movement that increases the angle between two bones, straightening a joint.

Hyperextension

An abnormal, forced extension of a joint beyond its normal range of motion or beyond $180^\text{o}$.

Abduction

Movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

Movement of a limb toward the midline of the body.

Circumduction

A movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction in which the proximal end of a limb is stationary and the distal end moves in a circle.

Supination

Forearm rotation laterally so the palm faces anteriorly and the radius and ulna are parallel.

Pronation

Forearm rotation medially so the palm faces posteriorly and the radius and ulna cross each other like an X.

Prone

A body position where the individual is lying facedown.

Supine

A body position where the individual is lying faceup.