systemic anatomy (exam 1)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary terms with definitions related to anatomical terminology, body structures, and their functions.

Anatomical Terminology

A set of terms used to describe the locations and relationships of structures in the body.

Anatomy

The study of body structures and the relationships among them.

Prone Position

Body lying face down.

Supine Position

Body lying face up.

Erect Position

Upright position of the body.

Superior

Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

Inferior

Away from the head, lower part of a structure.

Anterior

Near the front of the body.

Posterior

Near the back of the body.

Medial

Near the midline of the body.

Lateral

Farther from the midline.

Proximal

Near the origin of a structure or point of attachment.

Distal

Farther from the origin of a structure.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body.

Coronal Plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into left and right portions.

Midsagittal Plane

Divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Frontal Serrous Membrane

The tissue that covers the inner body wall and organs in the thoracic cavity.

Visceral Serrous Membrane

The tissue that covers the outer surface of organs within the cavities.

Dorsal Cavity

Body cavity that houses the cranial and vertebral cavities.

Ventral Cavity

Body cavity that houses the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

Contains pleural and pericardial cavities, along with the mediastinum.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Contains abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Parietal Layer

The layer of serous membrane that lines the body cavity wall.

Visceral Layer

The layer of serous membrane that covers organs.

Osteocyte

A mature bone cell that maintains the bone matrix.

Osteon

The basic structural unit of compact bone.

Compact Bone

Bone tissue that is dense and forms the outer layer of the bone.

Spongy Bone

Bone tissue that has a porous structure and is found at the ends of long bones.

Mesenchyme

Embryonic tissue that differentiates into all types of connective tissue including bone.

Crest (Bone Terminology)

A prominent ridge on a bone for tendon or ligament attachment.

Process (Bone Terminology)

A bony projection that serves as an attachment point.

Foramen (Bone Terminology)

An opening in a bone.

Fossa (Bone Terminology)

A shallow depression in a bone.

Trochanter

A large, irregularly shaped bony process found on the femur.

Tubercle

A small, rounded projection on a bone.

Tuberosity

A large, rounded prominence on a bone for muscle attachment.

Epicondyle

A bony prominence above a condyle.

Sinus (Nasal)

Air-filled spaces in the skull that help lighten weight and enhance resonance.

Maxillae

The pair of bones forming the upper jaw and part of the facial skeleton.

Zygomatic Bone

The cheekbone that helps form the zygomatic arch.

Mandible

The largest bone of the face, forming the lower jaw.

Sphenoid Bone

A butterfly-shaped bone located at the base of the skull.

Ethmoid Bone

A light, spongy bone located between the eyes.

Temporal Bone

Part of the lateral skull that houses the structures of the inner ear.

Occipital Bone

Forms the posterior part of the skull.

Parietal Bone

The bone that forms the top and sides of the cranium.

Frontal Bone

Forms the forehead and the upper parts of the eye sockets.

Pelvic Girdle

Consists of the ilium, ischium, and pubis bones.

Femur

The thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the body.

Patella

The kneecap, a sesamoid bone that protects the knee joint.

Tibia

The larger bone of the lower leg that bears weight.

Fibula

The smaller bone of the lower leg that provides lateral support.

Tarsal Bones

Seven bones that make up the ankle.

Metatarsals

The five long bones in the foot between the tarsals and the phalanges.

Phalanges

The bones of the fingers and toes.

Arches of Foot

Curved structures that absorb shock and distribute weight.

Zone of Endochondral Ossification

Layer where bone forms from the cartilage.

Synovial Joint

A joint characterized by a fluid-filled space allowing for movement.

Articulation

The connection between bones at a joint.

Curvature of Spine

Natural curves in the spine, including lordosis and kyphosis.

Lordosis

Exaggerated inward curvature of the lumbar region.

Kyphosis

Exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic region.

Scoliosis

Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.

Coccyx

The tailbone, formed by the fusion of 3-4 vertebrae.

Vertebral Column

Consists of vertebrae that support the body and protect the spinal cord.

Intervertebral Disks

Cartilage pads that cushion and separate vertebrae.

Ribs

Curved bones forming the thoracic cage.

Costovertebral Joint

The joint where the rib attaches to the vertebra.

Costotransverse Joint

The joint where the rib attaches to the transverse process.

Thoracic Cage

Encloses and protects the thoracic cavity and its organs.

Clavicle

The collarbone that connects the arm to the body.

Scapula

The shoulder blade.

Humerus

The bone of the upper arm.

Carpals

Eight small bones of the wrist.

Metacarpals

The five bones of the hand.

Phalanges

The bones of the fingers.

Patellar Surface

Articulates with the patella.

Olecranon Fossa

Depression on the posterior of the humerus for elbow joint.

Capitulum

The rounded end of the distal humerus that articulates with the radius.

Trochlea

The spool-shaped end of the humerus that articulates with the ulna.

Pectoral Girdle

Made up of the clavicle and scapula.

Ischial Tuberosity

The sit bone, part of the ischium in the pelvis.

Acetabulum

The socket of the hip joint formed by the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Femoral Head

The ball-like rounded structure at the top of the femur.

Femoral Neck

The region just below the femoral head.

Lunate Surface of Acetabulum

The articular surface of the acetabulum that contacts the femoral head.

Hip Joint

The ball-and-socket joint formed where the femur and acetabulum meet.

Medial Malleolus

The bony structure on the inner side of the ankle formed by the tibia.

Lateral Malleolus

The bony structure on the outer side of the ankle formed by the fibula.

Interosseous Membrane

The fibrous connective tissue connecting the tibia and fibula.

Trace Gait

The path for walking or a form of movement.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist.

Palmar Surface

The inner surface of the hand or palm.

Dorsal Surface

The back surface of the hand or foot.