Anatomical Terms and Body Structures

This set of flashcards covers essential anatomical vocabulary and definitions, focusing on planes of the body, directional terms, body cavities, and relevant medical terminology.

Anatomical Position

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

Sagittal Plane

A plane that divides the body into right and left portions.

Midsagittal Plane

The plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves.

Frontal Plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) parts.

Superior

A directional term meaning 'above' or 'toward the head'.

Inferior

A directional term meaning 'below' or 'toward the feet'.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk of the body.

Distal

Farther from the trunk of the body.

Dorsal

Relating to the back side of the body.

Ventral

Relating to the front side of the body.

Body Cavity

A space within the body that contains organs.

Cranial Cavity

The cavity that houses the brain.

Spinal Cavity

The cavity that contains the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

The cavity within the chest that contains the heart and lungs.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The cavity that contains the abdominal organs and pelvic organs.

Pericardium

The membrane surrounding the heart.

Pleura

The membrane surrounding the lungs.

Peritoneum

The membrane lining the abdominal cavity.

Hypoglycemia

An abnormally low level of glucose in the blood.

Hypertension

High blood pressure.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium.

Myopathy

Disease of the muscle.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver.

Septicemia

The presence of bacteria in the blood.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Tachycardia

An abnormally fast heart rate.