Medical Terminology for Health Professionals - Anatomical Reference Systems and Body Structures

Chapter Objectives

• Understand Key Terms & Definitions

  • Define anatomy and physiology.

  • Understand anatomical reference systems including anatomical position, body planes, directions, and cavities.

  • Familiarize with key terms related to cells, genetics, tissues, glands, body systems, and pathology.

Anatomical Reference Systems

• Purpose:

  • Describe locations and relationships among body structures.

• Components include:

  • Body planes, directions, cavities, and structural units.

  • Body System: Groups of organs working together.

Anatomy and Physiology Defined

• Anatomy: Study of body structures.

• Physiology: Study of body functions.

• Anatomical Position:

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

Body Planes

• Sagittal Plane: Divides body into unequal left and right.

• Midsagittal (Midline) Plane: Divides body into equal left and right halves.

• Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides body into anterior (front) and posterior (back).

• Transverse Plane: Divides body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower).

Body Direction Terms

• Ventral: Toward the front (belly side).

• Dorsal: Toward the back.

• Cephalic: Toward the head.

• Caudal: Toward the lower body.

• Anterior: Front side of the body.

• Posterior: Back side of the body.

• Superior: Uppermost part.

• Inferior: Lowermost part.

• Proximal: Nearest the trunk or midline.

• Distal: Farthest from the trunk or midline.

• Medial: Toward the midline.

• Lateral: Away from the midline.

Major Body Cavities

• Dorsal Cavity: Contains cranial cavity (brain) and spinal cavity (spinal cord).

• Ventral Cavity: Contains thoracic cavity (lungs, heart) and abdominopelvic cavity (digestive organs).

• Divisions of the Abdomen:

  • Quadrants: RUQ, LUQ, RLQ, LLQ.

  • Regions: Hypochondriac, epigastric, lumbar, umbilical, iliac, hypogastric.

Cells and their Structure

• General Structure:

  • Cell membrane: Protects cell contents.

  • Cytoplasm: Material within the cell.

  • Nucleus: Controls cell activities, aids in division.

• Stem Cells:

  • Adult Stem Cells: Maintain and repair tissue.

  • Embryonic Stem Cells: Can develop into any cell type, harvested from umbilical cord, or embryos.

Genetics Basics

• Genes: Inherited from both parents; can be dominant or recessive.

• Genetic Disorders: Pathological conditions caused by absent or defective gene (e.g., cystic fibrosis).

• The Human Genome: Complete genetic material, 99% identical across humans.

Types of Tissues

• Epithelial Tissue: Protective covering and glands.

• Connective Tissue: Supports, binds, and protects other tissues (includes blood, cartilage, bone).

• Muscle Tissue: Specialized for contraction.

• Nerve Tissue: Conducts impulses and responds to stimuli.

Glands Overview

• Exocrine glands: Secrete into ducts.

• Endocrine glands: Secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

• Pathologies of Glands: Disorders such as adenitis (inflammation) and adenocarcinoma (malignant tumor).

Disease and Pathology

• Pathology: Study of disease, its causes, and effects.

• Transmission: Types include direct, droplet, airborne, foodborne, and vector-borne.

• Types of Diseases: Organic, functional, idiopathic, infectious.

• Congenital Disorders: Present at birth, result from prenatal factors.

Aging and Death

• Aging: Increases risk for chronic conditions; study in geriatrics.

• Advance Directives: Legal documents outlining health care preferences, including living wills and DNR orders.