BIO 201 Lecture 2: Anatomical Positions, Body Areas, Directional Terms, & Epithelial Tissues

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering anatomical positions, directional terms, body planes, body cavities, epithelial tissue types, cell junction types, and glandular structure.

Anatomical Position

The standard reference position where the body is standing upright, with feet at shoulder width and parallel, toes pointing forward, upper limbs held out to each side, and palms of the hands facing forward.

Prone

A body position in which the body is lying face down.

Supine

A body position in which the body is lying face up.

Recumbent

A body position in which the body is lying on the right or left lateral side.

Fowler's Position

A body position in which the body is propped up with the head higher than the heart.

Trendelenburg Position

A body position in which the feet are propped up higher than the head.

Anterior (or Ventral)

Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body.

Posterior (or Dorsal)

Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body.

Superior (or Cranial)

Describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper.

Inferior (or Caudal)

Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the coccyx.

Lateral

Describes the side or direction toward the side of the body

Medial

Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body (e.g., the hallux is the medial toe).

Proximal

Describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Distal

Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

Superficial

Describes a position closer to the surface of the body (e.g., skin is superficial to the bones).

Deep

Describes a position farther from the surface of the body

Sagittal Plane

An imaginary two-dimensional plane that divides the body or organ vertically into right and left sides.

Parasagittal Plane

An imaginary plane that divides the body vertically into unequal right and left sides.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

An imaginary plane that divides the body or organ into an anterior (front) portion and a posterior (rear) portion.

Transverse Plane

An imaginary plane that divides the body or organ horizontally into upper and lower portions, producing cross sections.

Serous Membranes

Membranes that form fluid-filled cavities and secrete serous fluid to cushion and reduce friction and inflammation on internal organs when they move.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue consisting of large sheets of cells covering all of the body's surfaces exposed to the environment, lining the outside of organs and blood vessels, and forming most glands.

Cilia

Hair-like protrusions on certain epithelial cells that help move substances; found in areas such as the female reproductive tract and respiratory tract.

Simple Epithelium

An epithelial tissue classification consisting of a single layer of cells.

Stratified Epithelium

An epithelial tissue classification consisting of multiple layers of cells.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

An epithelial tissue comprising a single layer of cells with nuclei arranged at different levels, giving it the false appearance of being stratified.

Cuboidal Epithelial Cells

Epithelial cells that have the shape of dice.

Columnar

Epithelial cells that have the shape of bricks standing on end.

Squamous Epithelial Cells

Epithelial cells that have the shape of flat tiles on a floor.

Transitional Epithelium

Specialized epithelial cells found in the urinary bladder, renal pelvis, and ureters that change shape from cuboidal and multi-layered when empty to squamous and stretched out when full.

Tight Junctions

Intercellular connections where membranes of two adjacent cells join to form a barrier separating apical and basal compartments, preventing molecules from passing through the intercellular space.

Desmosomes

Strong mechanical attachments between cells that hold cardiac muscles and epithelial cells together, allowing contact inhibition.

Gap Junctions

Intercellular channels that allow the passage of ions (charged atoms) and small molecules directly between adjacent cells.

Gland

A body structure made up of one or more cells modified to synthesize and secrete chemical substances.

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that release secretions called hormones directly into surrounding interstitial fluid and tissues, which then diffuse into the bloodstream.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that release their contents (such as mucous, sweat, saliva, and breast milk) through a duct leading directly to the epithelial surface.