Medical Terminology Chapter 3 Body Terminology

Anatomy

Focuses on structure

Physiology

Focuses on function

Atom

The smallest unit of any pure substance

Molecules

Two or more atoms combined

Cell

The smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism

Tissue

A group of many similar cells that work together to perform a specific function

Organ

Anatomically distinct structure of the body composed of two or more tissue types. Each organ performs one or more specific physiological functions

Organ system

Group of organs that work together to perform major functions or meet the physiological needs of the body

Anterior (or ventral)

Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body

Posterior (or dorsal)

Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body

Superior (or cranial)

Describes a position above or higher than another part of the body

Inferior (or caudal)

Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body

Lateral

Describes the side or the direction towards the side of the body

Medial

Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body

Proximal

Describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body

Distal

Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body

Superficial

Describes a position closer to the surface of the body

Deep

Describes a position farther from the surface of the body

Sagittal plane

Plane that divides the body or an organ into left and right sides

Frontal plane

Plane that divides the body or an organ into an anterior and posterior portion

Transverse plane

Plane that divides the body or an organ into upper and lower bottom portions

Posterior (dorsal) cavity

Contains cranial cavity and the spinal cavity

Anterior (ventral) cavity

Contains the thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity

Cranial cavity

Houses the brain

Spinal cavity

Encloses the spinal cord

Thoracic cavity

Contains the lungs and heart, located in the mediastinum

Abdominopelvic cavity

Houses the digestive organs, pelvic cavity, and reproductive organs

Tissue membrane

Thin layer of sheet cells that covers the outside of the body

Synovial membrane

Type of connective tissue that lines the cavity of a freely movable joint

Epithelial membrane

Composed of epithelium attached to a layer of connective tissue

Serous membrane

Epithelial membrane composed of mesodermally derived epithelium called the mesothelium that is supported by connective tissue

Parietal layer

Serous membrane that lines the walls of the body cavity

Visceral layer

Serous membrane that covers the organs

Pleura

Serious membrane the surrounds the lungs in the pleural cavity and reduces friction between the lungs and the body wall

Pericardium

Serous membrane that surrounds the heart in the pericardial cavity and reduces the friction between the heart and the wall of the pericardium

Peritoneum

Serous membrane that surrounds several organs into the abdominopelvic cavity. Reduces friction between the abdominal and pelvic organs and the body wall

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things

Prone

Face down orientation

Supine

Face up orientation

Cutaneous membrane (skin)

Stratified squamous epithelial membrane resting on top of connective tissue

Mucous membrane

Epithelial membrane that lines the body cavities and hollow passageways that open to the external environment

Serous space

Very thin, fluid-filled space that is between the parietal and visceral layers

Connective tissue

Type of tissue that serves to hold in place, connect and integrate the body’s organ and systems