Surface Anatomy and Cross-Sectional Anatomy Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering surface anatomy landmarks, clinical relevance, and cross-sectional anatomical levels as discussed in Prof. Jesús García's lecture.

Surface Anatomy

The study of anatomical landmarks on the exterior of the human body, providing practical applications for medical examinations and clinical procedures.

Frontal bone

The bone that forms the forehead and the superior border of the orbits.

Zygomatic arch

Formed by the zygomatic bone and temporal bone, this structure provides the lateral contour of the face.

Mandible

The lower jaw bone which forms the chin and the inferior border of the face.

Masseter

A muscle that forms the fullness of the lower cheek over the ramus of the mandible.

Sternocleidomastoid

A prominent band on the side of the neck visible during rotation and tilting.

Jugular notch

A midline depression located at the superior border of the sternum.

Clavicles

S-shaped bones that can be palpated just beneath the skin of the anterior thorax.

C7 vertebra prominens

The most prominent vertebra, located as a bony prominence at the base of the neck.

Spine of scapula

A palpable ridge running horizontally across the upper back on the posterior thorax.

Axilla

The armpit region containing lymph nodes, blood vessels, and nerves; bounded anteriorly by the pectoralis major and posteriorly by the latissimus dorsi.

Median cubital vein

A superficial vein that connects the cephalic and basilic veins in the cubital fossa; it is a common site for venipuncture.

Linea alba

A vertical fibrous seam located in the midline of the abdominal wall.

Umbilicus

The scar of the umbilical cord, approximately between the xiphoid process and the pubic symphysis.

Midclavicular line

A vertical reference line passing through the midpoint of the clavicle, used to estimate the location of the lateral border of the rectus abdominis and kidneys.

Transtubercular line (intercristal line)

A horizontal line through the iliac tubercles at the level of the $L4$ vertebra that crosses the umbilicus.

Acromion

A bony prominence on the lateral scapula that forms the highest point of the shoulder.

Deltoid triangle

An area bounded by the acromion, deltoid tuberosity, and a line across the arm used to identify the intramuscular injection site for the deltoid; usually measurement is $2-3$ finger widths ($5-7.5\,cm$) below the acromion.

Radial pulse

A pulse palpated on the lateral (thumb) side of the wrist, just lateral to the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis at the level of the radial styloid process.

Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)

A bony prominence at the anterior end of the iliac crest used as a reference point for locating the femoral vessels and the hip joint.

Greater trochanter

A large bony prominence on the lateral side of the proximal femur, palpable through the skin.

Adductor group

A group of muscles on the medial thigh that include the adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, and gracilis.

Posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS)

A palpable bony prominence forming the posterior end of the iliac crest.

Popliteal fossa

A diamond-shaped depression behind the knee containing popliteal vessels, the tibial nerve, and lymph nodes.

Sciatic nerve

A major nerve that travels deep to the gluteus maximus; clinicians must avoid the medial lower quadrant of the buttock during injections to prevent injuring it.

Medial malleolus

The distal end of the tibia that forms a prominent landmark on the inner side of the ankle.

Lateral malleolus

The distal end of the fibula that forms a palpable landmark on the outer side of the ankle.

Dorsalis pedis pulse

A distal pulse located on the dorsum of the foot, just lateral to the tendon of extensor hallucis longus.

Posterior tibial pulse

A pulse found behind the medial malleolus in the groove between it and the Achilles tendon.

Capillary refill

A clinical assessment performed by pressing on the nail bed of the great toe; normal time is $<2\,seconds$.

Medial longitudinal arch

The higher arch on the inner side of the foot, supported by the tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus, and plantar fascia.

Cross-sectional anatomy

Views that divide the body or tissue into superior and inferior sections; in radiology, images are viewed from the feet toward the head.

Level of Vertebra T8

A cross-sectional level through the mid-thorax at the heart level, showing structures like the ventricles, atria, and interventricular septum.

Level of Vertebra T10

A transition slice across the diaphragm separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities, showing the esophageal opening and the right lobe of the liver.

Level of Vertebra T12

A cross-section near the thoracolumbar junction containing the kidneys, renal arteries, abdominal aorta, and transverse colon.

Level of Vertebra L5

A cross-section at the lower lumbar level showing the sacrum, iliac bones, and pelvic muscles like the gluteus maximus and iliacus.