Human Anatomy & Physiology I - Introduction & Language of Anatomy

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational terms, structural complexity, directional terms, body regions, planes, cavities, and abdominopelvic divisions from ANAT 1100.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body.

Physiology

The study of the function of the body, based on the principle that structure determines function.

Levels of Structural Complexity

The hierarchical organization of the body, progressing from atoms, molecules, organelles, and tissues to organs, organ systems, and the organism.

Homeostasis

A relatively stable internal state essential for health and life, usually maintained by negative feedback.

Anatomical Position

A standardized posture where the individual stands erect with arms at the sides, palms facing forward, and feet close together.

Superior

A directional term meaning nearer to or at the top or head of the body.

Inferior

A directional term meaning nearer to or at the bottom of the body or feet.

Anterior (Ventral)

A directional term meaning nearer to or at the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

A directional term meaning nearer to or at the back of the body.

Medial

A directional term meaning toward the median line of the body.

Lateral

A directional term meaning away from the median line of the body.

Ipsilateral

A directional term meaning located on the same side of the median line of the body.

Contralateral

A directional term meaning located on the opposite side of the median line of the body.

Proximal

A directional term meaning closer to the point of attachment or nearer the beginning of a structure.

Distal

A directional term meaning further from the point of attachment or nearer the end of a structure.

Superficial

A directional term meaning nearer to or at the surface of the body.

Deep

A directional term meaning further below the surface of the body.

Anterior Body Regions

Anatomical terms designating front-side body areas, including cephalic, cervical, thoracic, abdominal, pelvic, pubic, axillary, brachial, antecubital, antebrachial, carpal, palmar, femoral, patellar, crural, tarsal, and pedal regions.

Posterior Body Regions

Anatomical terms designating back-side body areas, including occipital, dorsal, lumbar, olecranal (cubital), popliteal, sural, and plantar regions.

Body Planes

Imaginary flat surfaces used to cut or section the body into distinct anatomical divisions, including sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes.

Sagittal Plane

An imaginary flat surface that divides the body vertically into right and left portions.

Coronal Plane

Also known as the frontal plane, an imaginary flat surface that separates anterior (front) from posterior (back) portions.

Transverse Plane

An imaginary flat surface that divides the body horizontally into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.

Cranial Cavity

The skull cavity that contains and protects the brain.

Vertebral Canal

The cavity passing through the vertebral column that houses and protects the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

The chest cavity located superior to the diaphragm, containing organs such as the heart and lungs.

Diaphragm

The muscular partition separating the thoracic cavity superiorly from the abdominopelvic cavity inferiorly.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The cavity inferior to the diaphragm, composed of the superior abdominal cavity and inferior pelvic cavity.

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

The 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

The nine anatomical divisions of the abdominopelvic cavity: Right hypochondriac, Epigastric, Left hypochondriac, Right lumbar, Umbilical, Left lumbar, Right inguinal, Hypogastric, and Left inguinal.