Human Anatomy Lecture 1 Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering basic anatomical definitions, levels of organization, directional terms, body planes, cavities, and medical imaging techniques based on the lecture 1 notes by Dr. Asif Razee.

Anatomy

The study of bodily structure, derived from the literal meaning "to cut apart."

Physiology

The study of bodily function, derived from the literal meaning "study of nature."

Common Structure

The anatomy seen in approximately $70\%$ of people.

Situs solitus

The normal arrangement of organs within the body.

Situs inversus

A condition where the position of the organs is reversed.

Situs perversus

A condition where a single organ is atypically positioned.

Inspection

Examination by looking at the surface appearance of the body.

Palpation

Examination by feeling a structure with the hands.

Auscultation

Examination by listening to normal body sounds.

Percussion

An examination method involving tapping and listening to tissue density.

Dissection

The process of cutting and separating tissues for study.

Atoms

The smallest building blocks of the body; approximately $99\%$ of the human body is comprised of six atoms, with $96\%$ being Carbon ($C$), Hydrogen ($H$), Oxygen ($O$), and Nitrogen ($N$).

Biomolecules

The molecules found in living organisms, specifically carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Cell

The smallest living unit and the basic unit of life.

Tissue

A group of cells with similar structure that perform a specific function; types include epithelial, connective, nervous, and muscular.

Organ

A structure with definite anatomical boundaries composed of two or more tissue types working together for a particular function.

Anatomical Position

A standard body stance characterized by an erect posture with palms and face forward.

Anterior/Ventral

Directional term meaning toward the front of the body.

Posterior/Dorsal

Directional term meaning toward the back of the body.

Superior

Directional term meaning above.

Inferior

Directional term meaning below.

Medial

Directional term meaning closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Directional term meaning farther from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the point of attachment.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the point of attachment.

Frontal (Coronal) Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior sections.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left sections.

Oblique Plane

A diagonal plane located between the vertical and horizontal axes.

Cranial Cavity

The dorsal body cavity that protects the brain.

Spinal (Vertebral) Cavity

The dorsal body cavity that protects the spinal cord.

Mediastinum

The region between the lungs containing the trachea, esophagus, and thymus.

Pericardium

The serous membrane associated with the heart.

Pleura

The serous membrane associated with the lungs.

Peritoneum

The serous membrane associated with the abdominal cavity.

Visceral Layer

The inner layer of a serous membrane that covers the organ.

Parietal Layer

The outer layer of a serous membrane that lines the cavity wall.

Radiology

The branch of medicine concerned with imaging structures within the body.

Angiography

A radiographic technique used to visualize blood vessels.

Computed Tomography (CT)

An imaging technique that uses cross-section X-rays, formerly known as a CAT scan.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An imaging technique used for soft tissue visualization.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A nuclear medicine technique utilizing radioisotopes for gamma ray detection.

Sonography

An imaging technique that uses the reflection of ultrasound waves, often used in obstetrics.