Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, anatomical planes, directional terms, regional terms, body cavities, organization of the body, and foundational concepts from Chapter 1.

Anatomy

The study of the form and structure of the animal body.

Physiology

The study of the functions of the animal body.

Microscopic Anatomy (Histology)

The branch of anatomy that deals with structures seen with a microscope, such as cells and tissues.

Macroscopic Anatomy (Gross Anatomy)

The branch of anatomy that deals with structures seen with the unaided eye, such as organs, muscles, and bones.

Regional Anatomy

Anatomical study focused on individual regions of the body, such as the neck or abdomen.

Systemic Anatomy

Anatomical study focused on individual body systems, such as the skeletal system or nervous system.

Sagittal plane

An anatomical plane that runs the length of the body and divides it into left and right parts, which are not necessarily equal.

Median plane

A special sagittal plane that runs down the center of the body lengthwise, dividing it into equal left and right halves.

Transverse plane

An anatomical plane that divides the body into cranial (head-end) and caudal (tail-end) parts.

Dorsal plane

An anatomical plane at right angles to the sagittal and transverse planes that divides the body into dorsal (toward back) and ventral (toward belly) parts.

Cranial

Directional term meaning toward the head.

Rostral

Directional term meaning toward the tip of the nose (head only).

Caudal

Directional term meaning toward the tail.

Dorsal

Directional term meaning toward the back.

Ventral

Directional term meaning toward the belly.

Medial

Directional term meaning toward the median plane.

Lateral

Directional term meaning away from the median plane.

Proximal

Directional term meaning toward the body (extremity).

Distal

Directional term meaning away from the body (extremity).

Palmar

The back of the forelimb from the carpus distally.

Plantar

The back of the hindlimb from the tarsus distally.

Deep (internal)

Directional term meaning toward the center of the whole body or part.

Superficial (external)

Directional term meaning toward the surface of the whole body or part.

Barrel

Trunk of the body formed by the rib cage and abdomen.

Brisket

Area at the base of the neck between the front legs, covering the cranial end of the sternum.

Cannon

Large metacarpal or metatarsal bone of hoofed animals.

Fetlock

Joint between the cannon bone and proximal phalanx of hoofed animals.

Flank

Lateral surface of the abdomen between the last rib and hind legs.

Hock

The tarsus.

Knee

The carpus of hoofed animals.

Muzzle

Rostral part of the face formed mainly by the maxillary and nasal bones.

Pastern

Area of the proximal phalanx of hoofed animals.

Poll

Top of the head between the bases of the ears.

Stifle

Femorotibial/femoropatellar joint equivalent to the human knee.

Tailhead

Dorsal part of the base of the tail.

Withers

Area dorsal to the scapulas.

Dorsal Cavity

Body cavity containing the central nervous system, divided into the cranial cavity (cranium) and spinal cavity (spinal canal).

Ventral Cavity

Body cavity containing the thorax and abdomen, housing the viscera.

Cells

Basic units of life that perform specialized functions.

Tissues

Groups of specialized cells.

Epithelial tissue

Tissue that covers body surfaces, secretes, and absorbs materials.

Connective tissue

Tissue that holds the body together and gives support.

Muscle tissue

Tissue comprised of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that transmits information around the body and controls body functions.

Organs

Groups of tissues that work together as single structures or occurring in pairs.

Systems

Groups of organs involved in a common set of activities.

Health

A state of normal anatomy and physiology.

Disease

The result when structures or functions of the body become abnormal.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of dynamic equilibrium in the body.