Anatomy and Physiology Terminology

Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy: Study of the structure of body parts.
• Physiology: Study of how body parts function.
• Function is dependent on structure.

Anatomical Position

• Standard reference for describing the body.
• 'Right' and 'Left' refer to the subject's sides.
• Different from standing.

Directional Terms

• Superior (cranial): Above.
• Inferior (caudal): Below.
• Ventral (Anterior): Towards the front.
• Dorsal (Posterior): Towards the back.
• Medial: Towards the middle.
• Lateral: Away from the midline.
• Proximal: Toward the point of attachment to the trunk.
• Distal: Away from the point of attachment to the trunk.
• Superficial: Toward the surface.
• Deep: Toward the interior.

Movement Terms

• Flexion / Extension / Hyperextension.
• Abduction / Adduction.
• Circumduction.
• Lateral and Medial Rotation.
• Plantarflexion / Dorsiflexion (ankle).
• Eversion / Inversion (foot).
• Protraction / Retraction (shoulder, jaw).
• Depression / Elevation (shoulder, jaw).
• Opposition / Reposition (thumb).
• Supination / Pronation (forearm).