1.1 biomed

Abdominal cavity

The largest hollow space of the body that contains the stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, small intestine, and most of largest intestine.

Abdomino-pelvic cavity

A body cavity that consists of the abdominal cavity and the pelvic cavity.

Anatomical planes

A hypothetical plane used to intersect the body, in order to describe the location of structures or the direction of movements.

Anatomist

An expert in anatomy.

Appendicular

Relating to an appendix or appendage, especially the limbs.

Axial

Relating to or situated in the central part of the body, in the head and trunk as distinguished from the limbs.

Body cavities

The cavities, or spaces, of the body, that contain the internal organs, or viscera.

Body planes

Anatomical terms that refer to a coordinate system to describe an individual in the anatomical position.

Bone Marrow

A soft highly vascular modified connective tissue that occupies the cavities and cancellous part of most bones (yellow and red).

Callus

A thickened and hardened part of tissue, especially in an area subjected to friction.

Compact bone

A solid and hard bone that makes up the outer layer of all bones and the shafts of long bones.

Compression force

Occurs when a physical force presses inward on an object, causing it to become compacted.

Connective tissue

Tissue that supports and connects other tissue types in the body.

Coronal plane

Divides the body vertically into anterior and posterior portions.

Cranial cavity

The space formed by the bones of the skull; contains and protects the brain.

Diaphysis

The shaft of a long bone.

Directional terms

Words that describe the location of one structure in relation to another or specific locations on organs/bones.

Dorsal body cavity

Subdivided into two parts: the cranial cavity and the vertebral cavity.

Epiphysis

The end of a long bone, usually larger in diameter than the shaft.

Epithelial tissue

Tissue composed of cells aligned in sheets that lines outer surfaces of organs, blood vessels, and skin to absorb, secrete, protect, and sense.

Fracture

A break in the continuity of a bone.

Histology

The study of the microscopic anatomy of tissues (microanatomy).

Median plane

Divides the body vertically into equal left and right portions.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Imaging technique using strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of body organs and soft tissues.

Muscle tissue

Striated, smooth, or cardiac tissue composed of specialized cells capable of contracting to effect movement.

Nervous tissue

Tissue made of neurons (in nerves, spinal cord, and brain) that receives, interprets, and responds to signals.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells.

Osteoclasts

Large multinucleate cells closely associated with areas of bone resorption, such as healing fractures.

Osteocyte

Cell characteristic of adult bone, isolated in a lacuna of the bone substance.

Outpatient center

Healthcare services administered without an overnight stay in a hospital.

Pelvic cavity

A bowl-like structure sitting below the abdominal cavity containing the bladder and internal reproductive organs.

Physiology

The way in which a living organism or bodily part functions.

Radiology

A branch of medicine that uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat disease.

Regional terms

Words that describe specific regions or locations on the body.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body vertically into unequal right and left portions.

Spongy bone

A porous bone found in animals containing red bone marrow.

Thoracic cavity

The chest cavity containing the heart and lungs, enclosed by the ribs.

Tissue

An integrated group of cells with a common function and/or structure.

Transverse plane

Divides the body horizontally into superior and inferior portions.

Ultrasound

Imaging that uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body.

Ventral body cavity

Subdivided into the thoracic cavity and the abdomino-pelvic cavity, separated by the diaphragm.

Vertebral cavity

The space formed by the bones of the vertebral column containing the spinal cord.

X-rays

A type of radiation using electromagnetic waves to take images of the inside of the body.