intro & directional terms

intro & directional terms

anatomy

study of structure

physiology

the study of function

Gross anatomy

the study of structures that can be dissected and observed with the unaided eye or with a hand lens,

topographical anatomy

The anatomy of one part in relation to other parts of the body

Applied Anatomy

The practical application of such knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions

microscopic anatomy

The study of structures too small to be seen without a light microscope

ultrastuctural anatomy

examination of structure in even greater detail is possible with an electron microscope

Plane

A surface, real or imaginary, along which any two points can be connected by a straight line

Median Plane

Divides the head, body, or limb longitudinally into equal right and left halves

Sagittal Plane

Passes through the head, body, or limb parallel to the median plane.

Transverse Plane

Cuts across the head, body, or limb at a right angle to its long a is or across the long a is of an organ or a part

Caudal and cranial

give two cuts of transverse plane

Dorsal Plane

Runs at right angles to the median and transverse planes and thus divides the body or head into dorsal and ventral portions.

Dorsal

Toward or relatively near the upper surface

Ventral

Toward or relatively near the supporting surface and the corresponding surface of the head, neck, thorax, and tail.

Medial

toward or relatively near the median plane

Lateral

Away from or relatively farther from the median plane.

Proximal

Relatively near the main mass or origin

Distal

Away from the main mass or origin in the limbs and tail,

Radial

On that side of the forearm antebrachium in which the radius is located.

Ulnar

On that side of the forearm in which the ulna is located.

Palmar

The aspect of the forepaw on which the pads are located.

Plantar

the aspect of the hindpaw on which the pads are located

Axis

The central line of the body or any of its parts.

Axial

surface of the digit faces the axis

Abaxial

surface faces away from the axis

Flexion

The movement of one bone in relation to another in such a manner that the angle formed at their joint is reduced. The limb is retracted or folded.

extension

the movement of one bone upon another such that the angle formed at their joint increases. the limb reaches out or is extended.

Overextension

extension beyond 180 degrees

Abduction

The movement of a part away from the median plane.

Adduction

The movement of a part toward the median plane

Circumduction

The movement of a part when outlining the surface of a cone

Rotation

The movement of a part around its long axis. (e.g., the action of the radius when using a screwdriver)

Supination

Lateral rotation of the append age so that the palmar or plantar surface of the paw faces medially. Facing down

Pronation

Medial rotation of the appendage from the supine position so that the palmar or plantar surface will face the substrate. facing down

Radial

on that side of the forearm (antebrachium) in which the radius is located.

Ulnar

on that side of the forearm in which the ulna is located.

Brachium

for the arm

Antebrachium

for the forearm

Thigh

for the pelvic limb

Crus

for the leg

importance of dissection

The purpose of the dissection is to gain a clear understanding of the normal structures of the body and their relationships, and an appreciation for individual variation. Radiography and the more recent development of imaging procedures require a clear understanding of these relationships and the ability to interpret three-dimensional anatomy from two-dimensional views.