CH.7

A vocabulary deck derived from the notes, covering key prefixes, anatomical terms, planes, body cavities, retroperitoneal concept, major body systems, and structure/function highlights.

Anatomical position

Standing, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms forward.

Midline

An imaginary line that divides the body into left and right halves.

Midclavicular line

An imaginary vertical line drawn through the midpoint of the clavicle.

Midaxillary line

An imaginary vertical line drawn through the apex of the axilla (armpit).

Right

Direction toward the patient’s right side.

Left

Direction toward the patient’s left side.

Anterior (ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Palmar

The palm of the hand.

Plantar

The sole of the foot.

Superior

Above; toward the head.

Inferior

Below; toward the feet.

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or trunk.

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or trunk.

Hypo-

Prefix meaning below normal.

Hyper-

Prefix meaning above normal.

tachy-

Prefix meaning fast.

brady-

Prefix meaning slow.

vol/o-

Combining form meaning volume.

glyc/o-

Combining form meaning glucose or sugar.

-emic

Suffix meaning pertaining to the blood.

-emia

Suffix meaning condition of the blood.

apnea

Condition of no breathing.

hypovolemic

Pertaining to below-normal blood volume.

hyperglycemia

Condition of above-normal blood glucose.

tachycardia

Condition of a fast heart rate.

bradypnea

Condition of a slow breathing rate.

pne/o-

Root meaning breathing.

cardi/o-

Root meaning heart.

-ia

Suffix meaning a condition.

-a

Suffix meaning a condition (less common usage).

Anatomical position terms summary

A set of standard terms (anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, etc.) used to describe locations on the body.

Sagittal plane

Vertical plane that divides the body into left and right parts.

Midsagittal plane

Vertical plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Frontal (coronal) plane

Vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Transverse (horizontal) plane

Horizontal plane that divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) parts.

Cranial cavity

Memory: the space formed by the skull that contains the brain.

Vertebral canal

Space formed by the vertebral column that contains the spinal cord.

Thoracic cavity

Chest cavity; contains heart and lungs; separated from the abdominal cavity by the diaphragm.

Abdominopelvic cavity

Combined space containing abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Abdominal cavity

Body cavity that contains stomach, liver, intestines, etc.

Pelvic cavity

Body cavity containing pelvic organs.

Pleural cavity

Cavities surrounding each lung; lined by pleura.

Pericardial cavity

Cavity surrounding the heart; lined by pericardium.

Peritoneal cavity

Serous cavity surrounding many abdominal organs; lined by peritoneum.

Mediastinum

Central area within the thoracic cavity between the lungs.

Pleura

Serous membrane around the lungs.

SAD PUCKER

Mnemonic for retroperitoneal organs: Suprarenal glands, Aorta/IVC, Duodenum, Pancreas (head/neck), Ureters, Colon (ascending/descending), Kidneys, Esophagus, Rectum.

Suprarenal glands

Glands on top of the kidneys (adrenal glands).

Aorta/IVC

Major abdominal blood vessels: the aorta and the inferior vena cava.

Duodenum

First portion of the small intestine (retroperitoneal except for its first part).

Pancreas (head and neck)

Pancreatic region located near the stomach; head and neck portions are retroperitoneal.

Ureters

Ducts that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Colon (ascending/descending)

Sections of the large intestine that are retroperitoneal.

Kidneys

Organs that filter blood to produce urine; retroperitoneal.

Esophagus

Muscular tube carrying food from the mouth to the stomach; retroperitoneal in part.

Rectum

Final section of the large intestine; stores feces.

Skeletal system

Bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and connective tissues that support the body.

Bones

Living tissue forming the skeleton; supports body, protects organs, produces blood cells.

Ligaments

Connect bone to bone; support joints.

Tendons

Connect muscle to bone; transmit muscle force.

Muscles

Soft tissue responsible for movement; three types: skeletal, smooth, cardiac.

Skull

Part of the skull: cranium and facial bones.

Vertebral column

Spinal column consisting of cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae.

True ribs

First seven pairs of ribs that attach directly to the sternum.

False ribs

Ribs 8–10 that attach to the sternum indirectly via cartilage.

Floating ribs

Ribs 11–12 that do not attach to the sternum.

Sternum

Breastbone; includes manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

Manubrium

Top portion of the sternum.

Xiphoid process

Lower, small cartilaginous projection of the sternum.

Acetabulum

Hip socket where the femur forms a ball-and-socket joint with the pelvis.

Femur

Thigh bone; longest bone in the body.

Humerus

Bone of the upper arm.

Radius

Forearm bone on the thumb side.

Ulna

Forearm bone on the little finger side.

Carpals

Wrist bones.

Metacarpals

Bones of the hand between wrists and fingers.

Phalanges (hand)

Bones of the fingers.

Tarsals

Ankle bones.

Metatarsals

Bones of the foot between ankle and toes.

Phalanges (feet)

Bones of the toes.

Ball-and-socket joint

Joint allowing movement in many directions (hip, shoulder).

Hinge joint

Joint allowing bending and straightening (knee, elbow).

Skeletal system components

Skull, spinal column, thorax, pelvis, upper and lower extremities.

Upper respiratory tract

Nose, nasal cavity, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, trachea.

Lower respiratory tract

Bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, alveoli, pleura.

Diaphragm

Primary muscle of respiration; separates thorax from abdomen.

Intercostals

Muscles between ribs that assist breathing.

Keep the Diaphragm Alive

Mnemonic about C3–C5 nerve roots keeping the diaphragm innervated.

Nose

Part of the upper respiratory tract that warms, moistens, and filters air.

Epiglottis

Flap that protects the trachea from liquids/foods during swallowing.

Larynx

Voice box; contains vocal cords.

Bronchi/Bronchioles/Alveoli

Air passages and air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Pleura

Serous membranes surrounding the lungs.

Ventilation

Mechanical movement of air in and out of the lungs.

Inhalation (inspiration)

Breathing in; diaphragm and external intercostals contract.

Exhalation (expiration)

Breathing out; diaphragm and intercostals relax.

External respiration

Gas exchange between alveoli and blood in the lungs.