Anatomy & Physiology: Body Regions, Planes, and Homeostasis

anatomy

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

physiology

The study of the functions of the body and its parts.

proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

distal

Farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

superior

Above or higher in position.

inferior

Below or lower in position.

anterior

Towards the front of the body.

posterior

Towards the back of the body.

medial

Closer to the midline of the body.

lateral

Farther from the midline of the body.

superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.

deep

Further away from the surface of the body.

sagittal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left parts.

frontal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

transverse plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

dorsal

Relating to the back of the body.

ventral

Relating to the front of the body.

homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

receptor

A structure that detects changes in the environment.

effector

An organ or cell that acts in response to a stimulus.

control center

The part of the body that processes information and determines the response.