Anatomical Considerations

These flashcards cover key anatomical terms and structures related to the human body's surface and internal anatomy.

Anatomical Position

The standard position of the body used as a reference in anatomy, standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Anatomical Guide

Method of locating a structure by reference to an adjacent known or prominent structure.

Linear Guide

A line drawn or visualized on the surface of the skin to represent the approximate location of some deeper lying structure.

Anatomical Limit

Point of origin and point of termination of a structure in relation to adjacent structures.

Common Carotid Artery

Major artery of the neck that supplies blood to the head and neck region.

Internal Jugular Vein

Major vein that drains blood from the brain, face, and neck.

Sternocleidomastoid Muscle (SCM)

A prominent muscle in the neck that helps with head rotation and flexion.

Platysma Muscle

A superficial muscle of the neck and lower face that is involved in facial expressions.

Brachial Plexus

A network of nerves that supplies the arm and hand.

Axillary Artery

Continuation of the subclavian artery that supplies blood to the axilla (armpit) and upper limb.

Radial Artery

Artery located on the lateral side of the forearm, allowing for blood circulation to the lateral aspects of the forearm and hand.

Ulnar Artery

Artery located on the medial side of the forearm, allowing for blood circulation to the medial aspects of the forearm and hand.

Dorsalis Pedis Artery

Artery that supplies the foot, continuing from the anterior tibial artery.

Femoral Triangle

An anatomical region in the upper thigh that contains major arteries, veins, and nerves.

Popliteal Fossa

The shallow depression located at the back of the knee joint containing blood vessels and nerves.

Celiac Trunk

A major arterial branch from the abdominal aorta that supplies the abdominal organs.

Descending Abdominal Aorta

Part of the aorta that supplies blood to the abdominal organs and lower limbs.

Anatomical Guide

Method of locating a structure by reference to an adjacent known or prominent structure.

Linear Guide

A line drawn or visualized on the skin's surface representing the approximate location of deeper structures.

Anatomical Limit

Point of origin and termination of a structure concerning adjacent structures.

Common Carotid Artery

Terminal branch of the brachiocephalic artery on the right and a branch of the Arch of the Aorta on the left.

Veins vs. Arteries

Veins flow in reverse to arteries; veins are superficial and lateral to arteries.

Anterior Triangle of the Neck

Defined by a line from the tip of the mandible to the sternum along the borders of the SCM and lower margin of the mandible.

SCM Attachment

Sternocleidomastoid muscle attaches to the mastoid process and manubrium of the sternum.

Carotid Sheath Position

Lies posterior and parallel to the SCM; contains the carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and vagus nerve.

Axilla Shape

Resembles a truncated pyramid with the arm extended.

Borders of Axilla

Defined by ribs and intercostals; contains six branches of the axillary artery.

Femoral Triangle Composition

Base is the inguinal ligament; walls are the sartorius muscle and adductor longus muscle.

Popliteal Fossa Structure

Formed by biceps femoris heads and semimembranosus/semitendinosus tendons.

Posterior Tibial Artery

Located between the posterior border of the tibia and the calcaneus tendon.

Dorsalis Pedis Anatomy

Linear guide extends from the center of the anterior surface of the ankle joint to between the first and second toes.

Brachial Plexus Composition

Made up of three nerves: medial, lateral, and posterior, grouped around the artery.

Radial Artery Pulse Point

Located between the styloid process and the flexor carpi radialis muscle; used for pulse measurements.

Anatomical Position Reference

The body is always referred to in the anatomical position.

Facial Artery Considerations

Selected for access to frontal facial structures; sclerotic conditions can limit usage.

Velvety Structure of the Axilla

Dome-shaped fascia and skin over which hair is found, carrying key structures from neck to axilla.

Common Carotid Branches

Includes external carotid branches such as ascending pharyngeal, superior thyroid, lingual, and many others.

Incision Sites

Specific locations for making incisions during anatomical procedures for various arteries.