Approaches to Anatomy/Anatomical Terminology

Vocabulary practice flashcards for introductory anatomy concepts, structural subdivisions, body regions, planes, and anatomical directional terminology.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

Microscopic Anatomy

Examines body structures that cannot be observed by the naked eye.

Cytology

The study of single body cells and their internal structures.

Histology

The study of tissues examining how groups of specialized cells and their products function for a common purpose.

Gross Anatomy

Macroscopic anatomy that examines the structures and relationships of large body parts visible to the naked eye.

Developmental Anatomy

A subdivision of anatomy that examines changes in structure within an individual from conception to maturity.

Embryology

A branch of anatomy that examines developmental changes occurring prior to birth.

Surface Anatomy

Examines both superficial anatomical body markings and internal body structures as they relate to the skin covering them.

Systemic Anatomy

Investigates the gross anatomy of each organ system in the body.

Regional Anatomy

Examines the relationships of all structures in a particular region of the body as one complete unit.

Anatomical Position

The universal reference point where the body is erect, face/eyes forward, upper limbs at the sides with palms forward, and lower limbs parallel with feet/toes forward.

Prone Position

The position of the body lying face down.

Supine Position

The position of the body lying face up.

Median / Midsagittal Plane

A vertical plane that passes through the midline of the body, dividing it into equal left and right halves.

Sagittal Plane

Any vertical plane cutting the body into left and right portions.

Frontal / Coronal Plane

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

Transverse / Horizontal Plane

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

Bilateral

Occurring on both right and left sides (both sides of midline).

Unilateral

Occurring on only one side of the body (one side of midline).

Ipsilateral

Occurring on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Occurring on opposite sides of the body.

Anterior

Directional term relative to the front of the body.

Posterior

Directional term relative to the back of the body.

Superior

Directional term relative to the head end of the body.

Inferior

Directional term relative to the feet end, away from the head.

Medial

Directional term meaning closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Directional term meaning farther from the midline of the body.

Superficial

Directional term meaning closer to the surface of the body.

Deep

Directional term meaning further from the surface of the body.

Proximal

Directional term meaning closer to the beginning of a limb or chosen point of reference.

Distal

Directional term meaning farther from the beginning of a limb or chosen point of reference.

Axillary Region

Anatomical body region referring to the armpit.

Brachial Region

Anatomical body region referring to the arm.

Antebrachial Region

Anatomical body region referring to the forearm.

Patellar Region

Anatomical body region referring to the kneecap.