Lecture 1 Terminology Levels of Organization.2025.Annotated.to Post

Anatomy

The study of external or internal structures and the relationships between body parts.

Microscopic anatomy

Study of structures that cannot be seen without magnification, including cytology (cells) and histology (tissues).

Macroscopic (Gross) anatomy

Study of structures visible to the naked eye.

Developmental anatomy

Studies changes in form during the period between conception and physical maturity.

Comparative anatomy

Studies the anatomical organization of different types of animals.

Clinical anatomy

Study of features that undergo recognizable changes during illness or disease.

Surgical anatomy

Study of anatomical landmarks important for surgical procedures.

Radiographic anatomy

Study of features visible using radiographic technologies, including MRI and CT.

Organ system

A combination of various organs that function together to achieve a specific goal.

Integumentary system

The system that covers the body and provides protection from hazards, including skin, hair, and nails.

Skeletal system

Assembly of bones and cartilage that provide framework, support, and protect soft tissues.

Muscular system

Tissue system allowing for movement of the skeletal system, including locomotion and heat production.

Nervous system

System that identifies stimuli and generates responses, regulating homeostasis.

Endocrine system

Regulates homeostatic functions and imparts long-term changes in activities.

Cardiovascular system

Transports cells for gas exchange and delivers nutrients while removing wastes.

Lymphatic system

Recognizes pathogens and initiates responses to maintain health.

Respiratory system

Conducts air to tissues for gas exchange between air and blood.

Digestive system

Processes food for maximum absorption of nutrients.

Urinary system

Maintains water balance and eliminates waste products.

Reproductive system

Specialized for the production of gametes and hormones regulating reproduction.

Anatomical position

Standing with hands at the side and palms facing outward, used as a reference for anatomical terminology.

Supine position

Lying down face up in the anatomical position.

Prone position

Lying down face down in the anatomical position.

Serous membrane

A connective tissue that secretes lubricating fluid lining body cavities.

Abdominopelvic quadrants

The four regions of the abdominal area: Right Upper, Right Lower, Left Upper, Left Lower.

Abdominopelvic regions

Nine regions providing more precise anatomical descriptions within the abdomen and pelvis.

Epigastric region

The region above the stomach.

Umbilical region

The region around the navel.

Hypogastric region

The region below the stomach.

Hypochondriac regions

The regions below the cartilage of the ribs.

Lumbar region

The region around the lower back.

Iliac region

The region around the hip.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity, containing the heart and its great vessels.

Cavities of the body

Are divisions within the body, including anterior (ventral) and posterior (dorsal) cavities.

Thoracic cavity

The anterior cavity that houses the heart and lungs.

Abdominal cavity

The posterior cavity containing digestive organs.

Pelvic cavity

The lower part of the anterior cavity, holding reproductive organs.

Planes of section

Imaginary lines used to divide the body into sections, including frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes.

Frontal (coronal) plane

Divides the body into anterior and posterior segments.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body into left and right halves.

Transverse (horizontal, axial) plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior segments.