Introduction to Human Anatomy – Key Concepts

28 question-and-answer style flashcards covering definitions, directional terms, anatomical planes, body cavities, and the anatomical position.

What does Anatomy study?

The location, shape, and structure of organs and organ systems.

What does Physiology study?

The functions of organs and organ systems.

In directional terminology, what does the term Lateral mean?

Away from the mid-line of the torso.

In directional terminology, what does Medial mean?

Toward the mid-line of the torso.

What does Proximal indicate when referring to limbs?

Closer to the torso.

What does Distal indicate when referring to limbs?

Farther away from the torso.

Which directional term means the face side of a person?

Anterior.

Which directional term means the spine side of a person?

Posterior.

What does Ventral refer to?

The belly side of a person.

What does Dorsal refer to?

The spine side of a person.

What does Superior mean in anatomical terminology?

Toward the head.

What does Inferior mean in anatomical terminology?

Away from the head, toward the feet.

Define Superficial in anatomical context.

Closer to the body surface.

Define Deep in anatomical context.

Farther into the body, away from the surface.

What plane divides the body into right and left portions?

Sagittal plane.

What is a midsagittal plane?

A sagittal cut made exactly on the mid-line of the body.

Which plane divides the body into anterior and posterior sections?

Frontal plane.

Which plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions?

Transverse plane.

What is an Oblique section?

A cut made at an angle between transverse and sagittal or frontal planes.

Describe the Anatomical Position.

Standing erect, facing the observer, arms at the sides with palms forward, and toes pointing forward.

What does Bilateral Symmetry mean in humans?

The left and right sides of the body are mirror images.

Name the two main divisions of the Dorsal Body Cavity.

Cranial cavity and vertebral cavity.

Which organs are contained within the Cranial Cavity?

The brain (protected by skull bones).

Which organs are contained within the Vertebral Cavity?

The spinal cord (protected by vertebrae).

Name the two subdivisions of the Ventral Body Cavity.

Thoracic cavity and abdominopelvic cavity.

Which major organs are housed in the Thoracic Cavity?

The heart and lungs.

Which organ systems are primarily found in the Abdominopelvic Cavity?

Digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.