Anatomical Planes, Directional Terms, and Body Systems Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering anatomical terminology, directional terms, body planes, cavities, membranes, imaging techniques, and organ systems based on Chapter 1 lecture notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structure and location of parts of the body.

Physiology

The study of the function of body parts and how the machinery works.

Principle of Complementarity

The anatomical principle stating that function reflects structure, meaning what a structure can do depends on its specific form.

Gross Anatomy

The study of large body structures, which can be examined via regional, systemic, or surface approaches.

Cytology

The microscopic study of cells.

Histology

The microscopic study of tissues.

Embryology

A branch of developmental anatomy that focuses on structural changes occurring before birth.

Metabolism

All of the chemical reactions that occur in cells that use or release energy.

Homeostasis

A state of equilibrium or constant steady state maintained within the body.

Negative Feedback

A form of homeostatic control in which the effect of the body's response is to reverse the original stimulus.

Positive Feedback

A form of homeostatic control in which the effect of the response is to continue or amplify the original stimulus.

Anatomical Position

A standard frame of reference in which the body stands upright (erect) with head, eyes, and toes directed forward, and upper limbs at the sides with palms facing forward.

Superior

Directional term meaning above, at a higher level, or toward the head.

Inferior

Directional term meaning below, at a lower level, or toward the feet.

Anterior (Ventral)

Directional term referring to the front or belly side of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Directional term referring to the back or rear side of the body.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Directional term meaning toward an attached base or point of attachment.

Distal

Directional term meaning away from an attached base or point of attachment.

Superficial

Directional term meaning at, near, or relatively close to the body surface.

Deep

Directional term meaning toward the interior of the body or farther from the surface.

Ipsilateral

Term of laterality indicating that structures are located on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Term of laterality indicating that structures are located on opposite sides of the body.

Transverse Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Frontal Plane (Coronal Plane)

An anatomical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Sagittal Plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into right and left portions.

Midsagittal Plane (Median Plane)

A sagittal plane passing exactly down the middle of the body, dividing it into equal left and right halves.

Parasagittal Plane

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

Dorsal Body Cavity

Internal chamber containing the cranial cavity and the spinal (vertebral) cavity.

Ventral Body Cavity

Internal chamber containing both the thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity.

Parietal Serous Membrane

The layer of a paired serous membrane that lines the inner wall of a ventral body cavity.

Visceral Serous Membrane

The layer of a paired serous membrane that directly covers the outside of an internal organ.

Serous Fluid

A thin, clear fluid secreted by serous membranes that separates membrane layers and allows organs to slide past one another without friction.

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Four clinical divisions of the abdominopelvic cavity: Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ), Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ), Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ), and Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ).

Abdominopelvic Regions

Nine anatomical regions formed by two horizontal lines (subcostal and transtubercular) and two vertical lines (midclavicular lines).

Subcostal Plane

A horizontal reference line passing through the inferior border of the 10th rib or costal cartilage.

Transtubercular Plane

A horizontal reference line traversing the iliac tubercles and the body of the L5 vertebra.

Transpyloric Plane

A horizontal line passing through the lower border of the L1 vertebra or the tip of the 9th costal cartilage.

Midclavicular Line

A vertical reference line passing through the midpoint of the clavicle.

CT Scan

A diagnostic procedure using X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of internal body structures, organs, and bones.

MRI Scan

A diagnostic imaging technique using magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce high-resolution images without X-ray radiation exposure.

PET Scan

A nuclear medicine technique using an injected radiotracer to create 3-dimensional color images of functional processes within the body.

Mucous Membrane

An epithelial membrane containing lamina propria that lines cavities communicating with the body exterior and secretes viscous fluid to trap particles.

Synovial Membrane

A membrane lining joint cavities (such as knee, shoulder, and hip) that secretes viscous synovial fluid to allow smooth joint movement.

Integumentary System

Organ system consisting of skin, hair, sweat glands, and nails that protects against hazards, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information.

Skeletal System

Organ system consisting of bones, cartilages, associated ligaments, and bone marrow that provides support, stores minerals, and forms blood cells.

Muscular System

Organ system consisting of skeletal muscles, tendons, and aponeuroses that provides movement, support, and heat generation.

Nervous System

Organ system consisting of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and sense organs that directs immediate responses to stimuli and coordinates body activities.

Endocrine System

Organ system consisting of hormone-secreting glands (pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads) that directs long-term changes in body activities.

Cardiovascular System

Organ system consisting of the heart, blood, and blood vessels that distributes nutrients, gases, wastes, and heat.

Lymphatic System

Organ system consisting of the spleen, thymus, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and tonsils that defends against disease and returns tissue fluids to the bloodstream.

Respiratory System

Organ system consisting of nasal cavities, sinuses, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, and alveoli that delivers air for gas exchange.

Digestive System

Organ system consisting of teeth, tongue, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas that processes food and absorbs nutrients.

Urinary System

Organ system consisting of kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra that excretes waste products, controls water balance, and regulates blood pH.