ANA124: Introduction to Anatomical Terminology & Regions - Vocabulary Flashcards

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body and the relationships of its parts; related to the body's structures and their functions.

Chemical level

Atoms combine to form molecules; the basic building blocks of matter in the body.

Organelle

A specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function.

Cell

The basic unit of life; the structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

Organ

Two or more different tissues organized to perform a particular task.

Organ system

Two or more organs that work together to perform a broad physiological function.

Organism

A living being made up of organ systems that function together to sustain life.

Organelle (repeat)

Specialized structures within a cell that carry out designated cellular tasks.

Simple cuboidal cell

A single layer of cube-shaped cells.

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Epithelium composed of a single layer of cube-shaped cells.

Basement membrane

A thin, noncellular layer that separates epithelium from underlying connective tissue.

Areolar connective tissue

Loose connective tissue found in the hypodermis; provides cushioning and support.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that contains neurons and neuroglia and transmits nerve impulses.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells of the nervous tissue that aid neurons.

Dendrite

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals.

Axon

Long projection that transmits nerve impulses away from the neuron’s cell body.

Nucleus

The cellular control center containing the cell’s genetic material.

Serous membrane

A double-layered membrane lining closed ventral body cavities and covering organs, with a serous fluid in between.

Parietal layer

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

Visceral layer

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

Cavity

A space between the parietal and visceral serous layers, often containing lubricating fluid.

Pericardial cavity

The serous cavity around the heart within the pericardium.

Parietal pericardium

The outer layer of the pericardium lining the fibrous pericardial sac.

Visceral pericardium

The inner layer of the pericardium that covers the heart.

Right upper quadrant (RUQ)

Abdominal quadrant on the right side above the horizontal plane through the umbilicus.

Left upper quadrant (LUQ)

Abdominal quadrant on the left side above the umbilicus.

Right lower quadrant (RLQ)

Abdominal quadrant on the right side below the umbilicus.

Left lower quadrant (LLQ)

Abdominal quadrant on the left side below the umbilicus.

Anatomical position

Body standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Ventral

Toward the front of the body (synonym of anterior).

Dorsal

Toward the back of the body (synonym of posterior).

Superior

Toward the head; upper.

Inferior

Toward the feet; lower.

Cranial

Toward the head.

Caudal

Toward the tail; toward the feet.

Medial

Toward or at the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk or point of reference.

Distal

Farther from the trunk or point of reference.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Contralateral

On the opposite side of the body.

Unilateral

Involving one side.

Bilateral

Involving two sides.

Superficial

Near the surface of the body.

Deep

Farther from the surface; internal.

Coronal (Frontal) Plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Sagittal Plane

A plane that divides the body into left and right portions; midsagittal if equal halves.

Transverse (Horizontal) Plane

A plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Oblique Plane

A plane that is angled relative to the standard planes.

Coronal Axis

Axis that passes side to side; allows flexion and extension.

Sagittal Axis

Axis that passes front to back; allows abduction and adduction.

Longitudinal Axis

Axis that runs along the length of a structure; allows rotational movement.

Flexion

Decrease in the angle between two bones or parts.

Extension

Increase in the angle between bones; straightening a joint.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

Movement toward the midline of the body.

Internal (medial) Rotation

Rotation toward the midline of the body.

External (lateral) Rotation

Rotation away from the midline of the body.

Supination

Rotation of the forearm or foot so the palm or sole faces upward (opposite: pronation).

Pronation

Rotation of the forearm or foot so the palm or sole faces downward.

Integumentary System

Skin, hair, glands; protects, regulates temperature, and detects sensation.

Skeletal System

Bones and joints; supports the body and enables movement.

Muscular System

Muscles; enable movement and help maintain body temperature.

Nervous System

Detects and processes sensory information; initiates responses.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones to regulate bodily processes.

Cardiovascular System

Transports blood, delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Respiratory System

Goods gas exchange; removes carbon dioxide from the blood.

Lymphatic System

Defends against pathogens and returns tissue fluid to the blood.

Digestive System

Processes food for use by the body and eliminates undigested waste.

Urinary System

Regulates water balance and removes wastes from the blood.

Male Reproductive System

Produces sex hormones and gametes; delivers gametes to the female.

Female Reproductive System

Produces sex hormones and gametes; supports embryo/fetus and produces milk.

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce oocytes (eggs) and hormones.

Uterus

Female reproductive organ where a fetus develops.

Mammary glands

Milk-producing glands in female breasts.

Axial skeleton

Skull, vertebral column, and rib cage—central support of the body.

Appendicular skeleton

Bones of the limbs and girdles (pelvic and pectoral)?

Trunk/torso

Central part of the body excluding the head and limbs; includes the thorax and abdomen.

Regions of the body

Body areas defined for study, including axial and appendicular regions.