Functional Anatomy and Movement Science

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to functional anatomy and movement science, including anatomical positions, types of motion, muscle types, and neuromuscular function.

Anatomical Position

The standard reference position in anatomy, standing erect, facing forward, arms at sides, palms forward, feet slightly apart.

Superior

Toward the head.

Inferior

Toward the feet.

Anterior

The front of the body.

Posterior

The back of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk.

Distal

Farther from the trunk.

Superficial

Toward the surface of the body.

Deep

Away from the surface of the body.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into left and right.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior.

Flexion

Decreases the joint angle, such as bending the elbow.

Extension

Increases the joint angle, such as straightening the elbow.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

Movement toward the midline of the body.

Internal (Medial) Rotation

Anterior surface turns toward the midline.

External (Lateral) Rotation

Anterior surface turns away from the midline.

Circumduction

Circular movement combining flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction.

Elevation

Upward motion of scapula.

Depression

Downward motion of scapula.

Protraction

Forward motion of scapula.

Retraction

Backward motion of scapula.

Supination

Forearm rotation with palm up.

Pronation

Forearm rotation with palm down.

Inversion

Sole of foot turns inward.

Eversion

Sole of foot turns outward.

Dorsiflexion

Toes point upwards at the ankle.

Plantarflexion

Toes point downwards at the ankle.

Compact Bone

Dense outer shell of bone for strength.

Spongy Bone

Porous inner structure of bone containing red marrow.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle attached to bones.

Parallel Muscle

Long fibers that allow for a large range of motion.

Pennate Muscle

Angled fibers that generate greater force.

Convergent Muscle

Broad origin with a narrow insertion.

Circular Muscle

Sphincter-shaped muscle.

Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ)

The synapse between a motor neuron and muscle fiber that transmits signals for contraction.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A chemical messenger that transmits signals at the neuromuscular junction.

Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

An autoimmune disorder affecting ACh receptors, leading to muscle weakness.

Peripheral Nerve Injury

Damage to a motor neuron leading to loss of muscle stimulation.

Sliding Filament Theory

The explanation of muscle contraction based on the sliding of actin and myosin filaments.

Sarcomere

The functional unit of contraction in a muscle.