Introduction to Anatomical Terms

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing basic human anatomy terminology, anatomical position, planes, directional terms, skeletal divisions, body cavities, and body systems based on lab notes.

Anatomical Position

Standard reference posture where the patient faces the observer, palms face forward, thumbs are lateral, and feet point forward.

Frontal Plane

A vertical plane (also called coronal plane) that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into left side and right side.

Midsagittal Plane

A sagittal plane passing through the midline, dividing the body into equal left and right halves.

Parasagittal Plane

A sagittal plane that divides the body into unequal left and right halves.

Ventral

Toward the front or belly.

Dorsal

Toward the back or spine.

Anterior

Toward the ventral side (front of the body in humans).

Posterior

Toward the dorsal side (back of the body in humans).

Cephalic

Toward the head or superior end.

Rostral

Toward the forehead or nose.

Caudal

Toward the tail or inferior end.

Superior

Above or higher than another structure.

Inferior

Below or lower than another structure.

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of.

Intermediate

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure.

Proximal

Closer to the origin of the body part or point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Distal

Farther from the origin of a body part or point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body (right or left).

Contralateral

On opposite sides of the body (right and left).

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface.

Deep

Away from the body surface; more internal.

Axial Skeleton

The skeletal division comprising the head and torso.

Appendicular Skeleton

The skeletal division comprising the appendages (limbs) and girdles (pectoral and pelvic) attaching to the torso.

Thoracic Cavity

Ventral cavity above the diaphragm that subdivides into the pleural cavity, mediastinum, and pericardial cavity.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Ventral cavity below the diaphragm that subdivides into the abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity.

Visceral Pericardium

The inner layer of the serous membrane covering the outer surface of the heart.

Parietal Pericardium

The outer layer of the serous membrane lining the wall of the pericardial cavity.

Abdominal Quadrants

Four anatomical divisions of the abdomen consisting of the Right Upper Quadrant, Left Upper Quadrant, Right Lower Quadrant, and Left Lower Quadrant.

Digestive System

Organ system whose functions include nutrient breakdown and absorption, metabolism of nutrients, synthesis of plasma proteins, and disposal of toxins.

Male Reproductive System

Organ system whose principal functions are the production and delivery of sperm and secretion of sex hormones.