Anatomy and Physiology: Body Planes, Regions, and Diagnostic Imaging

What is the anatomical position?

A position where a person stands erect with palms facing forward and feet flat.

What does 'superior' mean in anatomical terms?

Located above something else, closer to the head.

What does 'inferior' refer to in anatomy?

Located below something else, closer to the feet.

What is the meaning of 'anterior'?

Towards the front of the body.

What does 'posterior' mean?

Towards the back of the body.

Define 'medial' in anatomical terms.

Towards the middle or midline of the body.

What does 'lateral' indicate?

Towards the side of the body.

What does 'proximal' mean?

Closer to the center of the body or the point of attachment of a limb.

What is meant by 'distal'?

Away from the center of the body or the point of attachment of a limb.

What does 'superficial' refer to?

Closer to the surface of the body.

Define 'deep' in anatomical context.

Away from the body surface; more internal.

What is the sagittal plane?

A plane that divides the body into left and right sections.

What does the frontal (coronal) plane do?

Divides the body into front and back sections.

What is the axial (transverse) plane?

Divides the body into top and bottom halves.

What is the dorsal body cavity?

Contains the cranial cavity and spinal cavity.

What does the thoracic cavity contain?

Contains the lungs and major blood vessels, protected by the ribs.

What is included in the abdominal cavity?

Contains the stomach, liver, spleen, small intestine, and most of the large intestine.

What does the pelvic cavity contain?

Contains the bladder, reproductive organs, and the end of the large intestine.

What are the four abdominal quadrants?

Right Upper Quadrant, Right Lower Quadrant, Left Upper Quadrant, Left Lower Quadrant.

What is the umbilical region?

The area surrounding the navel; site of umbilical hernias.

What does the epigastric region refer to?

The area superior to the umbilical region.

What is the hypogastric (pubic) region?

The area inferior to the umbilical region.

What are the characteristics of living things?

Movement, responsiveness, growth, reproduction, respiration, digestion, absorption, circulation, assimilation, excretion, and metabolism.

What is homeostasis?

The tendency of the body to maintain a stable internal environment.

What are receptors in the context of homeostasis?

Structures that detect changes in the environment and relay information to the brain.

What is the function of effectors in homeostasis?

Muscles or glands that respond to deviations from the set point.

What is the purpose of diagnostic imaging?

To visualize internal structures of the body for medical evaluation.

What are X-rays used for?

To visualize fractures and dental issues; air appears black, soft tissue grey, and metal bright.

What is a CT scan?

A diagnostic imaging technique that uses multiple X-rays to create high-resolution images of tissues.

What does MRI stand for and what does it visualize?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging; it visualizes soft tissues, internal bleeding, and cancer.

What is the function of ultrasound in diagnostic imaging?

Uses high-frequency waves to create images; least invasive method, often used for heart and fetal growth.