Chapter 1: Face and Neck Regions

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Chapter 1: Face and Neck Regions.

Superior

Toward or nearer to the top of the head.

Inferior

Toward or nearer to the soles of the feet; bottom.

Anterior

Front.

Posterior

Back; toward the back of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline; farther from the midline.

Proximal

Toward or nearer to the attachment of the limb to the trunk (limbs only).

Distal

Away from the attachment of the limb to the trunk (limbs only).

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Farther from the surface; toward the inside.

Prone

Lying face-down.

Supine

Lying face-up.

Fowler's Position

Head and upper body elevated at about 45–60 degrees.

Lesion

Any change in the structure of an organ or part from normal.

Etiology

Causes or origin of a disease or condition; the study of causation.

Atypical Finding

Variation from normal.

Neoplasm (Tumor)

Abnormal mass of tissue; may be benign or malignant.

Benign

Non-cancerous; growth is generally well-contained.

Malignant

Cancerous; growth is invasive and less controlled.

Physiologic Pigmentation

Normal localized color variation from melanin pigment; more common in darker skin tones.

Frontal Region

Forehead; area above the eyes.

Orbital Region

Eyeball and supporting structures within the bony eye socket.

Nasal Region

External nose area, including root, apex, naris, nasal septum, and ala.

Infraorbital Region

Region inferior to the orbital area; lateral to the nasal region.

Zygomatic Region

Overlies the zygomatic arch; extends from below the lateral margin of the eye toward the external ear; near the TMJ.

Buccal Region

Soft tissue of the cheek; side of the face between nose, mouth, and ear.

Oral Region

Lips and surrounding structures; gateway to the oral cavity; vermilion border.

Philtrum

Midline vertical groove extending from the nasal septum to the upper lip.

Labial Commissure

Corner of the mouth where the upper and lower lips meet.

Vermilion Zone

Red portion of the lips; mucocutaneous junction at the vermilion border.

Mental Region

Chin area; includes the mandibular symphysis.

Mandible

Lower jaw bone.

Maxilla

Upper jaw bone.

Alveolar Process (Maxilla)

Part of the maxilla containing the tooth sockets.

Alveolar Process (Mandible)

Part of the mandible containing the tooth sockets.

Coronoid Process

Projection on the anterior border of the ramus of the mandible.

Coronoid Notch

Depression between the coronoid process and the condyle.

Mandibular Condyle

Articulating head of the mandible within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Angle of the Mandible

Sharp angle of the lower jaw.

Hyoid Bone

Moveable bone in the neck; anchors tongue muscles; located in the anterior midline.

Thyroid Cartilage

Prominence of the larynx; attachment site for vocal cords.

Cricoid Cartilage

Cartilage ring below the thyroid cartilage.

Isthmus

Midline connection between the right and left lobes of the thyroid gland.

Trachea

Windpipe; airway from the larynx to the lungs.

Thyroid Gland

Endocrine gland in the midline neck; inferior and lateral to the thyroid cartilage.

Parathyroid Glands

Endocrine glands near the thyroid gland; not usually palpated.

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Muscle

Large strap muscle of the neck.