Anatomical Terminology and Medical Imaging Notes

Cells to Systems

Levels of Organization

  1. Chemical Level: Atoms (C, H, O, N, P) and Molecules (DNA).
  2. Cellular Level: Smooth muscle cell.
  3. Tissue Level: Smooth muscle tissue; Epithelial and connective tissues.
  4. Organ Level: Stomach, Liver.
  5. System Level: Digestive system.
  6. Organismal Level.

Systems of the Body

  • Endocrine system: Pineal gland, Hypothalamus, Pituitary gland, Thyroid gland, Parathyroid glands, Ovary (female), Adrenal gland, Pancreas, Testis (male).
  • Immunology: Pharyngeal tonsil, Palatine tonsil, Lingual tonsil, Red bone marrow, Thymus, Thoracic duct, Spleen, Lymph node, Lymphatic vessel.
  • Cardiovascular system: Heart, Blood vessels (Vein, Artery).
  • Renal system: Kidney, Ureter, Urinary bladder, Urethra.
  • Digestive system: Salivary gland, Mouth, Pharynx, Esophagus, Liver, Stomach, Pancreas, Gallbladder, Small intestine, Large intestine, Rectum, Anus.
  • Reproductive systems: Mammary gland, Ovary, Vagina, Uterine tube, Uterus, Seminal vesicle, Ductus deferens, Prostate, Penis, Epididymis, Testis.

Homeostasis

  • Body is monitored and re-monitored; each variable is a controlled condition.
  • Three components:
    • Receptor
    • Control center
    • Effector

Negative Feedback

Some stimulus disrupts homeostasis
\downarrow
Increasing / decreasing a Controlled Condition
\downarrow
Receptors send Input to Control Center
\downarrow
Control Center sends Output to Effectors
\downarrow
Response alters the controlled condition
\downarrow
Return to homeostasis

Positive Feedback

  • Amplifies the change.

Anatomical Position

  • Subject stands erect facing the observer, head level, eyes forward, feet flat on the floor directed forward, and arms at their sides, palms forward.
  • All descriptions reference this position.

Anatomical Terms

Directional Terms

  • Anterior (Ventral)
  • Posterior (Dorsal)
  • Medial: Nearer to the midline.
  • Lateral: Farther from the midline.
  • Intermediate: Between two structures.
  • Ipsilateral: On the same side of the body.
  • Contralateral: On the opposite side of the body.
  • Proximal: Nearer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk.
  • Distal: Farther from the attachment of a limb to the trunk.
  • Superficial: Toward the surface of the body.
  • Deep: Away from the surface of the body.

Descriptive Terms

  • Visceral
  • Parietal

Regional names

  • Cranial: Skull
  • Cervical: Neck
  • Cubital: Elbow
  • Carpal: Wrist
  • Patellar: Front of knee
  • Orbital: Eye
  • Thoracic: Chest
  • Inguinal: Groin
  • Metacarpal: Hand/palm
  • Plantar: Sole of foot
  • Buccal: Cheek
  • Axillary: Armpit
  • Femoral: Thigh
  • Gluteal: Buttock
  • Tarsal: Ankle
  • Digital or Phalangeal: Toes or Fingers

Planes and Sections

  • Sagittal: Divides body into right and left sides.
    • Midsagittal: Divides into equal halves.
    • Parasagittal: Divides into unequal halves.
  • Frontal (coronal): Divides into anterior and posterior portions.
  • Transverse (horizontal): Divides into superior and inferior portions.

Body Cavities

  • Cranial cavity: Contains brain.
  • Vertebral canal: Contains spinal cord.
  • Thoracic cavity: Contains pleural and pericardial cavities and mediastinum.
  • Abdominopelvic cavity: Contains abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Medical Imaging Techniques

  • Radiography (X-rays): 2D image, hollow structures appear black or gray.
    • Contrast X-rays: Visualize hollow structures using contrast media (e.g., iodine).
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses magnetic field, better resolution than CT.
  • CT (Computed Tomography): Uses X-rays to form a 3D image.
  • Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves.
  • Endoscopy: Uses lighted instrument with a lens.
    • Colonoscopy: Study of the interior of the colon.
    • Laparoscopy: Study of organs in the abdominopelvic cavity.
    • Arthroscopy: Study of the interior of a joint (knee).