Anatomic Reference Systems

Question 1

Anatomic Position

Answer 1

body in standard position; standing up straight with arms at sides and palms facing forward

Question 2

Vertical Planes

Answer 2

up and down plane at a right angle to horizon

Question 3

Sagittal Plane

Answer 3

vertical plane that divides the body into UNEQUAL parts left and right

Question 4

Misagittal Plane (midline)

Answer 4

sagittal plane that divides the body into equal parts left and right

Question 5

Frontal Plane (coronal plane)

Answer 5

vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts

Question 6

Horizontal Planes

Answer 6

flat, crosswise plane (like the horizon)

Question 7

Transverse Plane

Answer 7

divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions, can be at any level of the body

Question 8

Ventral

Answer 8

front or belly side of the organ or body

Question 9

Dorsal

Answer 9

back of the organ or body

Question 10

Anterior

Answer 10

situated in the front, on the front or forward part of the organ

Question 11

Posterior

Answer 11

situated in the back, on the back part of an organ

Question 12

Superior

Answer 12

uppermost, above, or toward the head

Question 13

Inferior

Answer 13

lowermost, below, toward the feet

Question 14

Cephalic

Answer 14

toward the head

Question 15

Caudal

Answer 15

toward the lower part of the body

Question 16

Proximal

Answer 16

situated nearest to the midline or beginning of body structure

Question 17

Distal

Answer 17

situated farthest from the midline or beginning of body structure

Question 18

Medial

Answer 18

direction toward or near the midline

Question 19

Lateral

Answer 19

direction toward or near the side of the body

Question 20

Dorsal Cavity

Answer 20

located along the back of the body and head

Question 21

Cranial Cavity

Answer 21

located within the skull, protects the brain

Question 22

Spinal Cavity

Answer 22

located within the spinal column, protects spinal cord

Question 23

Ventral Cavity

Answer 23

located along the front of the belly and contains the organs that sustain homeostasis

Question 24

Thoracic Cavity (chest cavity or thorax)

Answer 24

protects the heart and lungs

Question 25

Pelvic Cavity

Answer 25

space formed by the hip bones and contains the organs of the reproductive and excretory systems

Question 26

Inguinal

Answer 26

relating to the groin, entire lower area of abdomen

Question 27

Groin

Answer 27

crease at the junction of the trunk with the upper thigh

Question 28

Right and Left Hypochondriac

Answer 28

below the ribs

Question 29

Epigastric Region

Answer 29

above the stomach

Question 30

Right and Left Lumbar

Answer 30

near the inward curve of the spine

Question 31

Umbillical region

Answer 31

near the belly button

Question 32

Right and Left Iliac Regions

Answer 32

near hip bones

Question 33

Hypogastric

Answer 33

below the stomach

Question 34

What are the abdominal quadrants?

Answer 34

right upper (RUQ), left upper (LUQ), right lower (RLQ), and left lower (LLQ)

Question 35

Peritoneum

Answer 35

multilayered membrane that protects and holds the organs in place in the abdomen

Question 36

Membrane

Answer 36

thin layer of tissue that covers a surface, lines a cavity, or divides a space or organ

Question 37

Parietal Peritoneum

Answer 37

outer later of peritoneum that lines interior of abdomen wall

Question 38

Mesentery

Answer 38

fused double later of the parietal Peritoneum that attaches parts of the intestine to the interior abdominal wall

Question 39

Visceral Peritoneum

Answer 39

inner layer of peritoneum that surrounds the organs of the abdomen

Question 40

Retroperitoneal

Answer 40

located behind the peritoneum

Question 41

Peritonitis

Answer 41

inflammation of the peritoneum