Introduction to Functional Anatomy – Key Vocabulary

Traditional vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms from the Functional Anatomy lecture.

Anatomy

The science of bodily structure; provides the foundational knowledge for understanding human movement.

Functional Anatomy

Study of body components as they contribute to producing a specific movement or function.

Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine

• The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.

• The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.

• Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.

• Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.

Body Unity Principle

Views the person as an integrated unit of body, mind, and spirit.

Self-Regulation Principle

States that the body can self-heal, self-regulate, and maintain health.

Structure-Function Principle

Holds that anatomical form and physiological function are reciprocally interrelated.

Rational Treatment Principle

Therapy is based on understanding body unity, self-regulation, and structure–function relationships.

Anatomical Position

Standard reference posture: standing, facing forward, arms at sides, palms anterior, feet together.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body.

Medial

Closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Farther from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Nearer to the trunk or a point of origin.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or point of origin.

Superior (Cranial)

Toward the head.

Inferior (Caudal)

Toward the feet or lower end of the spine.

Superficial

Closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Farther from the surface of the body.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body.

Sagittal Plane

Vertical plane dividing body into left and right portions; motions occur about a transverse axis.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

Vertical plane dividing body into anterior and posterior portions; motions occur about an anterior-posterior axis.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

Plane dividing body into superior and inferior portions; motions occur about a vertical axis.

Oblique Plane

Any plane cutting the body at an angle other than horizontal or vertical.

Transverse Axis

Perpendicular to the sagittal plane around which flexion and extension occur.

Anterior-Posterior Axis

Perpendicular to the frontal plane around which abduction, adduction, and sidebending occur.

Vertical Axis

Perpendicular to the transverse plane around which rotation occurs.

Flexion

Movement decreasing the angle between two bones; occurs in the sagittal plane.

Extension

Movement increasing the angle between two bones; occurs in the sagittal plane.

Abduction

Movement away from the body midline in the frontal plane.

Adduction

Movement toward the body midline in the frontal plane.

Sidebending (Lateral Flexion)

Spinal motion bending trunk or neck to the side; frontal plane movement.

Inversion

Lifting the medial border of the foot; frontal plane motion.

Eversion

Lifting the lateral border of the foot; frontal plane motion.

Internal (Medial) Rotation

Turning a limb toward the midline around a vertical axis.

External (Lateral) Rotation

Turning a limb away from the midline around a vertical axis.

Pronation

Rotating the forearm so the palm faces posteriorly (anatomical position reference).

Supination

Rotating the forearm so the palm faces anteriorly.

Circumduction

Circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

Protraction

Anterior movement of a body part (e.g., scapula or mandible).

Retraction

Posterior movement of a body part back to anatomical position.

Elevation

Raising or moving a part superiorly (e.g., shrugging shoulders).

Depression

Lowering or moving a part inferiorly.

Origin (Muscle)

Fixed, usually proximal, attachment site of a muscle.

Insertion (Muscle)

Movable, usually distal, attachment site of a muscle.

Muscle

Contractile tissue that shortens when stimulated, generating movement.

Tendon

Dense connective tissue cord transmitting muscle force to bone.

Bone

Rigid osseous tissue forming the body’s supportive framework and lever system.

Ligament

Dense connective tissue connecting bones and stabilizing joints.

Fascia

Connective tissue membranes that envelop, separate, and support body structures.

Cartilage

Avascular supporting connective tissue providing cushioning and smooth joint surfaces.

Elastic Cartilage

Most flexible cartilage type; found in external ear and epiglottis.

Hyaline Cartilage

Smooth, glassy cartilage covering articular surfaces and forming costal connections.

Fibrocartilage

Tough cartilage rich in collagen; forms intervertebral discs and menisci.

Bursae

Small fluid-filled sacs reducing friction between tendons and bone.

Blood Vessels

Arteries, veins, and capillaries that transport blood, nutrients, and wastes.

Lymphatic Vessels

Channels that collect interstitial fluid (lymph) and return it to the bloodstream.

Nerve

Bundle of neuronal axons conveying sensory and motor information.

Skin

Epidermis and dermis forming the body’s protective outer covering.

Long Bone

Bone with a shaft and two expanded ends; e.g., femur, humerus.

Short Bone

Cube-shaped bone allowing gliding movements; e.g., carpals, tarsals.

Flat Bone

Thin, flattened bone providing protection; e.g., sternum, ilium.

Irregular Bone

Complex-shaped bone such as a vertebra or facial bone.

Sesamoid Bone

Bone embedded in tendon, improving leverage; e.g., patella.

Interosseous Membrane

Sheet of dense connective tissue linking long bones along their shafts (e.g., radius & ulna).

Biceps Brachii

Bi-articular arm muscle that flexes elbow, supinates forearm, and assists shoulder movements.