Vocab List #1 - IB Sports & Exercise Health & Science

Vocab anatomy terms and reference points

Inferior

Lower in position or below another structure.

Superior

Higher in position or above another structure.

proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or origin.

distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin.

posterior

Located towards the back of the body.

anterior

Located towards the front of the body.

internal

Located within or inside a structure.

external

Located outside a structure.

lateral

Situated away from the midline of the body.

medial

Situated closer to the midline of the body.

Plantarflection

pointing toes downward

Dorsiflexion

Flexion at the ankle that brings the foot closer to the shin.

intermediate

Between two structures.

axial skeleton

The part of the skeleton that consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

appendicular skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the limbs and girdles.

articulate

To form a joint or connection between bones.

sagittal axis

An axis that runs from front to back.

sagittal plane

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

frontal axis

An axis that runs from side to side.

frontal plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

longitudinal axis

An axis that runs from head to toe.

transverse plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into upper and lower parts.

diaphysis

The shaft or central part of a long bone.

epiphysis

The end part of a long bone.

Periosteum

A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones.

compact bone

The dense, hard outer layer of bone.

spongy bone

The porous inner layer of bone.

articular cartilage

Smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones at joints.

medullary cavity

The central cavity of bone shafts where red and yellow bone marrow is stored.

tendon

A flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone.

Ligament

A short band of tough, flexible fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones or cartilages.

cartilage

A firm, flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body.

fascia

A sheet of connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs.

fibrous joint

A type of joint where bones are connected by dense connective tissue.

cartilaginous joint

A type of joint where bones are connected by cartilage.

Synovial joint

A type of joint characterized by a fluid-filled joint cavity.

gliding joint

A joint that allows bones to glide past one another.

hinge joint

A joint that allows movement in one plane, like a door.

pivot joint

A joint that allows rotational movement.

Condyloid joint

A joint that allows movement but no rotation.

Ball/socket joint

A joint that allows for rotational movement in multiple directions.

post-

A prefix meaning after or behind.

ante-

A prefix meaning before or in front of.

trans-

A prefix meaning across or through.

peri-

A prefix meaning around.

Syn-

A prefix meaning together or with.

dia-

A prefix meaning through or across.

epi-

A prefix meaning upon or above.

osteo-

A prefix relating to bones.