General Anatomy and Radiographic Positioning Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards covering general anatomy, skeletal divisions, bone features, joint classifications, body habitus, anatomic relationship terms, radiographic projections, positions, and body movements.

Anatomy

The science of the structure of the body.

Physiology

The study of the function of the body organs.

Osteology

The detailed study of the body of knowledge relating to the bones of the body.

Midsagittal Plane (MSP)

A specific sagittal plane that passes through the midline and divides the body into equal right and left halves.

Midcoronal Plane (MCP)

A specific coronal plane, also called the midaxillary plane, that passes through the midline and divides the body into equal anterior and posterior halves.

Horizontal Planes

Planes passing crosswise through the body at right angles to the longitudinal axis, dividing it into superior and inferior portions; also called transverse, axial, or cross-sectional planes.

Oblique Planes

Planes that pass through a body part at any angle between sagittal, coronal, and horizontal planes.

Interiliac Plane

A special body plane that transects the body at the pelvis at the level of the top of the iliac crests ($L4$).

Occlusal Plane

A special body plane formed by the biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth with jaws closed.

Body Habitus

The common variations in the shape of the human body, classified into sthenic, hyposthenic, asthenic, and hypersthenic types.

Axial Skeleton

The group of $80$ bones that supports and protects the head and trunk.

Appendicular Skeleton

The group of $126$ bones that provides the means for movement.

Compact Bone

The strong, dense outer layer of bone.

Spongy Bone

The inner, less dense layer of bone containing a spiculated network called trabeculae.

Trabeculae

The spiculated network inside spongy bone filled with red and yellow marrow.

Medullary Cavity

The central cavity of long bones containing trabeculae filled with yellow marrow.

Periosteum

Tough, fibrous connective tissue that covers bone, except at articular ends.

Endosteum

The connective tissue lining the marrow cavity inside a bone.

Ossification

The development and formation of bones, beginning in the second month of embryonic life.

Diploë

The middle layer of cancellous bone located between two plates of compact bone in flat bones.

Sesamoid Bones

Very small, oval bones that develop inside and beside tendons to protect them from excessive wear, such as the patella.

Arthrology

The study of joints, or articulations, between bones.

Synarthroses

Functional classification for immovable joints.

Amphiarthroses

Functional classification for slightly movable joints.

Diarthroses

Functional classification for freely movable joints.

Syndesmosis

A type of fibrous joint that is immovable or very slightly movable, united by fibrous sheets.

Suture

An immovable fibrous joint found only in the skull.

Gomphosis

An immovable fibrous joint found only in the roots of teeth.

Symphysis

A slightly movable cartilaginous joint separated by a pad of fibrocartilage.

Synchondrosis

An immovable cartilaginous joint united by rigid cartilage, such as the epiphyseal plate.

Condyle

A rounded process at an articular end of a bone.

Coracoid or Coronoid

A beaklike or crownlike bone process.

Epicondyle

A projection located above a condyle.

Facet

A small, smooth-surfaced articular process.

Foramen

A hole in a bone for transmission of blood vessels and nerves.

Fossa

A pit, fovea, or hollow space in a bone.

Meatus

A tubelike passageway in a bone.

Caudad

Anatomic relationship term describing parts directed away from the head of the body.

Cephalad

Anatomic relationship term describing parts directed toward the head of the body.

Ipsilateral

Refers to body parts located on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Refers to body parts located on the opposite side of the body.

Radiographic Projection

The path of the central ray (CR) as it exits the x-ray tube, passing through the patient to the image receptor (IR).

Radiographic Position

The overall posture of the patient or the specific placement of the body or body part in relation to the table or image receptor (IR).

Radiographic View

Descriptive term for the body part as seen by the image receptor (IR), representing the exact opposite of projection.

Radiographic Method

A specific radiographic projection developed by an individual.

Axial Projection

A projection produced by angling the central ray longitudinally by $10^\circ$ or more.

Tangential Projection

A projection where the central ray is directed along the outer margin of a curved body surface.

Trendelenburg Position

A recumbent supine position in which the patient's head is lower than the feet.

Fowler Position

A recumbent supine position in which the patient's head is elevated.

Decubitus Position

A recumbent patient position performed with a horizontal central ray, named according to the body surface on which the patient lies.

Lordotic Position

An upright position in which the patient leans backward.

Abduction

Movement of a body part away from the central axis of the body.

Adduction

Movement of a body part toward the central axis of the body.

Eversion

Outward turning of the foot at the ankle.

Inversion

Inward turning of the foot at the ankle.

Pronation

Rotation of the forearm so that the palm is facing down.

Supination

Rotation of the forearm so that the palm is facing up.

Dorsiflexion

Flexion or bending of the foot toward the leg.

Plantar Flexion

Flexion or bending of the foot toward the sole.