HLSC 120 Chapter 1 - A First Look at Anatomy

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering Chapter 1 of Human Anatomy, including definitions of anatomy, physiology, body organization, anatomical positions, planes, directional terms, cavities, serous membranes, abdominopelvic regions, and medical imaging techniques.

Anatomy

The study of structure and the relationships among the parts of the body and individual organs.

Physiology

The study of function, explaining what body structures do and how they work.

Microscopic Anatomy

The study of body structures that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Gross Anatomy

Also known as macroscopic anatomy, the study of structures that can be seen with the unaided eye.

Cytology

A subdiscipline of microscopic anatomy that studies cells.

Histology

A subdiscipline of microscopic anatomy that studies tissues.

Embryology

A subdiscipline of gross anatomy examining developmental changes occurring prior to birth.

Developmental Anatomy

The study of structural changes in the human body from conception through maturity.

Comparative Anatomy

The study examining similarities and differences in anatomy across different species.

Regional Anatomy

The study of all anatomical structures within a single specific body region, such as the skull.

Surface Anatomy

The study of external body features and visible or touchable landmarks corresponding to deeper internal structures.

Systemic Anatomy

The study of gross anatomy organized by each individual organ system in the body.

Pathologic Anatomy

The study of anatomical changes in the body resulting from disease.

Radiographic Anatomy

The study of body structures visualized through medical imaging procedures.

Surgical Anatomy

The study of anatomical landmarks used before and after surgical procedures.

Anatomic Position

A standard reference position where the body is facing forward, arms down at the side, palms facing forward, and thumbs pointing out.

Plane

An imaginary flat surface passing through the body.

Section

The actual cut or internal view seen after slicing along an anatomical plane.

Sagittal Plane

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

Coronal Plane

Also called the frontal plane, an imaginary plane dividing the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Transverse Plane

Also called the horizontal plane, an imaginary plane dividing the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) portions.

Anterior

Directional term meaning in front of or toward the front surface of the body.

Posterior

Directional term meaning in back of or toward the back surface of the body.

Superior

Directional term meaning closer to the head.

Inferior

Directional term meaning closer to the feet.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Directional term indicating closest proximity to the point of attachment to the trunk.

Distal

Directional term indicating furthest position from the point of attachment to the trunk.

Ipsilateral

Directional term meaning located on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Directional term meaning located on the opposite side of the body.

Axial Region

The main vertical axis of the body, which includes the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular Region

Body region consisting of the upper and lower limbs attached to the main vertical axis.

Body Cavity

An internal space in the body where organs are housed and protected.

Serous Membrane

A thin layer of tissue covering or lining body structures that secretes fluid to reduce friction between moving organs.

Parietal Serosa

The outer layer of a serous membrane that lines the internal walls of a body cavity.

Visceral Serosa

The inner layer of a serous membrane that directly covers the external surface of organs.

Pericardium

The serous membrane structure that surrounds the heart.

Pleura

The serous membrane structure that surrounds the lungs.

Peritoneum

The serous membranes lining the abdominopelvic cavity and covering most abdominal digestive organs.

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Four divisions of the abdomen (RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ) used by healthcare professionals to locate internal organs, pain, or injury.

Computed Tomography (CT)

A medical imaging method using multiple X-rays from different angles to construct detailed cross-sectional images.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A medical imaging technique utilizing strong magnetic fields to create high-contrast images of soft tissues.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A functional medical imaging procedure using a radiotracer to visualize cellular metabolic activity.

Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)

An imaging procedure using contrast medium and X-rays to generate distinct, highlighted views of blood vessels.

Ultrasound

A non-invasive imaging method using sound waves to produce real-time internal images without radiation.