Anatomy: Introduction & Terminologies

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts in anatomy, including definitions of critical terminology, body planes, and movements.

Anatomy

The part of biological science that deals primarily with the structure and function of the body.

Gross Anatomy

Also known as macroscopic anatomy; the study of structures that can be seen with the naked eye.

Histology

The study of microscopic anatomy, focusing on the detailed structure of tissues.

Embryology

The study of developmental anatomy; how organisms develop from fertilization to the fetal stage.

Anatomical Position

Standing erect with the head, eyes, and toes directed forward, with heels together and upper limbs hanging at the sides, palms facing anteriorly.

Median Plane

A vertical plane passing through the midline of the body, dividing it into right and left halves.

Sagittal Plane

Any vertical plane passing through the body parallel to the median plane.

Coronal Plane

Any vertical plane passing through the body at right angles to the median plane, dividing it into anterior and posterior portions.

Anterior

Also known as ventral; refers to the front of the body.

Posterior

Also known as dorsal; refers to the back of the body.

Superior

Cranial or cephalic; indicates a position toward the head or upper part of the body.

Inferior

Caudal; indicates a position toward the feet or the lower part of the body.

Proximal

Nearest to the trunk or point of origin.

Distal

Farthest from the trunk or point of origin.

Flexion

Bending that decreases the angle between bones or body parts.

Extension

Straightening that increases the angle between bones or body parts.

Abduction

Movement away from the median plane of the body.

Adduction

Movement toward the median plane of the body.

Opposition

Movement of the thumb pad to bring it to contact with the pad of a finger.

Elevation

Lifting or raising a part superiorly.

Depression

Lowering or moving a part inferiorly.

Circumduction

Circular movement of a limb or part of the body.

Rotation

Turning or revolving a part of the body around its long axis.

Eversion

Turning the sole of the foot away from the median plane.

Inversion

Turning the sole of the foot toward the median plane.

Supination

Rotating the radius of the forearm laterally so the palm faces anteriorly.

Pronation

Rotating the radius of the forearm medially so that the palm faces posteriorly.