Introduction to Gross Anatomy - Directional Terms, Tissues, Fascia, and Forelimb

Vocabulary flashcards covering directional terminology, basic tissues, germ layers, fascia, integumentary structures, and forelimb regions from VMED 630.

Cranial

Toward the head

Caudal

Toward the tail

Rostral

Toward the nose (used for the head)

Dorsal

Toward the topside / back / dorsum, or the topside of the feet

Ventral

Toward the underside / belly

Proximal

Toward the trunk (used for appendages)

Distal

Away from the trunk (used for appendages)

Palmar

The underside on front feet

Plantar

The underside on hind feet

Medial

Toward the midline

Lateral

Away from the midline

Ipsilateral

On the same side

Contralateral

On the opposite side

Superficial

Closer to the surface

Deep

Farther from the surface

Axial

Toward the axis of the foot

Abaxial

Away from the axis of the foot

Dorsal plane

Divides the body into dorsal and ventral sides

Sagittal planes

Divide the body into right and left sides

Midsagittal plane

Divides the body into equal right and left halves (also known as median plane)

Transverse planes

Planes that create cross-sections (i.e. cranial and caudal sides, proximal and distal sides)

Tissue

A group of specialized cells working together to perform a common function

Organ

A somewhat independent part of the body that performs a particular function, usually composed of two or more basic tissues

Epithelial tissue

Lines internal body tubes and external body surfaces, and forms glands

Connective tissue

Connects and supports body components, movement, insulation, energy storage, repair, and nutrition

Muscle tissue

Responsible for body movement, movement of blood, and movement of ingesta

Nervous tissue

Receives, integrates, and transmits external and internal stimuli between external and internal environments

Ectoderm

Embryonic germ layer that differentiates into integument and nervous system

Mesoderm

Embryonic germ layer that differentiates into bones + joints, muscle, circulatory system, urogenital systems, and pleura + mesentery

Endoderm

Embryonic germ layer that differentiates into digestive system and respiratory system

Fascia

A continuous, interconnected network of connective tissue that exists throughout the body, composed of elastic fibers, collagen fibers, and fibroblasts

Superficial fascia

Fascia located in the hypodermis

Deep fascia

Fascia that surrounds muscles, bones, nerves, and vessels

Parietal fascia

Fascia that lines body cavities

Visceral fascia

Fascia that surrounds viscera

Epidermis

Outermost layer of skin composed of 5 layers of epithelial cells (also called cutis)

Dermis

Middle layer of skin containing glands, hair follicles, nerves, blood vessels, and CT fibers (collagen & elastin); also called corium

Hypodermis

Deepest layer of skin composed of loose areolar connective tissue and fat (also called subcutis or superficial fascia layer)

Vibrissa

Specialized hairs that are thicker and longer than primary hairs, deeply rooted with follicles that sit within sinuses that are highly innervated with various sensory nerve endings

Quick

The sensitive part of the nail (dermis/corium) which contains sensory nerve endings and blood vessels

Ungual process

Bony process deep to the dermis over which the nail grows

Primordial pouch

Loose skin found on the belly of some domestic cats and many big cat species that functions in abdominal protection, full extension of limbs when running, and fat storage

Fold of the flank

A fold of skin, fascia, and cutaneous trunci m. located between the abdomen and hindlimb

Scapular region

Region of the forelimb consisting of the scapula & surrounding structures

Brachium

Region of the forelimb between shoulder & elbow joints

Antebrachium

Region of the forelimb between elbow & carpal joints

Manus

Region of the forelimb consisting of the carpus & distal

Axilla

Cavity between the forelimb and thorax (aka "armpit")