Introduction to Human Anatomy – Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the "Introduction to Human Anatomy" lecture, including anatomical terminology, planes, movements, bone types, and joint classifications.

Anatomy

The study of the physical structure of the human body through observation and visualization, traditionally by dissection.

Regional Approach

Method of studying anatomy by examining all structures in a specific area of the body at once.

Systemic Approach

Method of studying anatomy by following each organ system throughout the entire body.

Integumentary System

Organ system consisting of skin, hair, nails, and associated glands; studied in dermatology.

Skeletal System

Framework of bones providing support, protection, and leverage; studied in osteology.

Articular System

Joints and associated structures that connect bones; studied in arthrology.

Muscular System

All skeletal muscles that produce movement and maintain posture; studied in myology.

Nervous System

Fast-acting control system composed of brain, spinal cord, and nerves; studied in neurology.

Circulatory System

System transporting blood and lymph through vessels; includes cardiovascular and lymphatic components.

Cardiovascular System

Heart and blood vessels that circulate blood; studied in cardiology.

Lymphatic System

Network of lymph vessels and nodes that drains tissue fluid and participates in immune defense.

Immune System

Cells, tissues, and organs that defend the body against pathogens; studied in immunology.

Digestive System

Organs that ingest, break down, and absorb food; studied in gastroenterology.

Respiratory System

Organs enabling gas exchange, including lungs and airways; studied in pulmonology (pneumology).

Urinary System

Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra responsible for excreting urine; studied in urology.

Genital (Reproductive) System

Organs involved in production of gametes and reproduction; studied in gynecology/andrology.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream for long-term regulation of body functions.

Anatomical Position

Standard reference posture: standing upright, head and eyes forward, arms at sides with palms anterior, feet together.

Longitudinal Axis

Vertical anatomical axis running cranially to caudally.

Sagittal Axis

Horizontal anatomical axis running from ventral to dorsal.

Transverse Axis

Horizontal anatomical axis running from left to right.

Transverse (Axial) Plane

Horizontal plane dividing body into superior and inferior parts.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Vertical plane dividing body into anterior and posterior parts.

Sagittal Plane

Vertical plane dividing body into right and left portions; mid-sagittal passes through midline.

Longitudinal Section

Cut made parallel to the long axis of the body or a structure.

Transverse Section

Cross-section made perpendicular to the long axis.

Oblique Section

Cut made at an angle that is not strictly longitudinal or transverse.

Superior (Cranial)

Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior (Caudal)

Toward the feet or lower part of a structure.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Medial

Closer to the median plane.

Lateral

Farther from the median plane.

Dorsum

Superior surface of a protruding part (e.g., tongue, foot) or posterior surface of the hand.

Palmar

Anterior (palm) surface of the hand.

Plantar

Inferior (sole) surface of the foot.

Superficial

Nearer to the body surface.

Intermediate

Between superficial and deep structures.

Deep

Farther from the body surface.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk or point of origin.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or point of origin.

Bilateral

Present on both the right and left sides of the body as a pair.

Unilateral

Present on only one side of the body.

Ipsilateral

Situated on the same side of the body as another structure.

Contralateral

Situated on the opposite side of the body relative to another structure.

Flexion

Movement that decreases the angle between body parts, generally in the sagittal plane.

Extension

Movement that increases the angle between body parts, generally in the sagittal plane.

Dorsiflexion

Flexion at the ankle that lifts the toes upward.

Plantar Flexion

Extension at the ankle that points the toes downward.

Abduction

Movement of a limb away from the midline in the frontal plane.

Adduction

Movement of a limb toward the midline in the frontal plane.

Lateral Flexion

Side-bending of head, neck, or trunk away from midline.

Medial (Internal) Rotation

Rotation that brings the anterior surface toward the midline.

Lateral (External) Rotation

Rotation that turns the anterior surface away from the midline.

Circumduction

Circular movement combining flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction, possible at ball-and-socket joints.

Pronation

Forearm rotation that turns the palm posteriorly or downward.

Supination

Forearm rotation that turns the palm anteriorly or upward (anatomical position).

Eversion

Movement of the sole of the foot away from the median plane.

Inversion

Movement of the sole of the foot toward the median plane.

Opposition

Movement bringing the thumb pad to another digit pad.

Reposition

Return of the thumb from opposition to anatomical position.

Protrusion

Anterior movement of a part, such as the mandible or tongue.

Retrusion

Posterior movement of a part back to its original position.

Protraction

Anterolateral movement of the scapula along the thoracic wall.

Retraction

Posteromedial movement of the scapula along the thoracic wall.

Elevation

Upward (superior) movement of a part, e.g., shrugging shoulders.

Depression

Downward (inferior) movement of a part.

Axial Skeleton

Skull, hyoid, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum—central supportive axis of the body.

Appendicular Skeleton

Bones of the limbs and the pectoral and pelvic girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton.

Long Bone

Elongated bone with shaft (diaphysis) and two ends (epiphyses); e.g., femur.

Epiphysis

Proximal or distal end of a long bone containing articular surface and growth plate.

Metaphysis

Region between epiphysis and diaphysis of a long bone.

Diaphysis

Central shaft of a long bone housing the medullary cavity.

Short Bone

Cube-shaped bone providing stability and support with limited motion; e.g., carpal bones.

Flat Bone

Thin, flattened bone providing protection or broad surfaces for muscle attachment; e.g., scapula, ribs.

Sesamoid Bone

Bone that develops within a tendon to reduce friction; e.g., patella.

Irregular Bone

Complex-shaped bone that does not fit other categories; e.g., vertebrae, sacrum.

Diarthrosis

Freely movable joint; functionally corresponds to synovial joints.

Synovial Joint

Structurally characterized by a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid allowing free movement.

Amphiarthrosis

Joint permitting slight movement; typically cartilaginous, such as symphysis.

Cartilaginous Joint

Joint united by cartilage; subdivided into synchondrosis (hyaline) and symphysis (fibrocartilage).

Synarthrosis

Immovable joint; usually fibrous or bony fusion (synostosis).

Fibrous Joint

Bones united by dense connective tissue; includes syndesmosis, gomphosis, and sutures.

Hinge Joint

Uniaxial synovial joint permitting flexion and extension; e.g., elbow.

Pivot Joint

Uniaxial synovial joint permitting rotation; e.g., atlanto-axial joint.

Plane Joint

Synovial joint with flat surfaces allowing gliding; e.g., acromioclavicular joint.

Condyloid Joint

Biaxial synovial joint permitting flexion-extension and abduction-adduction; e.g., radiocarpal joint.

Saddle Joint

Biaxial synovial joint with saddle-shaped surfaces allowing movement in two planes; e.g., thumb CMC joint.

Ball and Socket Joint

Multiaxial synovial joint with a spherical head fitting into a cup-like socket; e.g., hip, shoulder.

Modified Hinge Joint

Synovial joint primarily hinge-like but allowing some rotation; e.g., knee.

Synchondrosis

Primary cartilaginous joint united by hyaline cartilage, often temporary growth plate.

Symphysis

Secondary cartilaginous joint united by fibrocartilage; allows slight movement, e.g., pubic symphysis.

Syndesmosis

Fibrous joint with ligament or interosseous membrane connecting bones; e.g., tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Gomphosis

Fibrous peg-and-socket joint anchoring teeth in their sockets.

Synostosis

Bony fusion where two bones ossify together, eliminating the joint (e.g., adult skull sutures).