Anatomical Terminology Flashcards
Define SUPERIOR
Towards the head or upper part of the body.
Define INFERIOR
Away from the head, or toward the lower part of the body.
Define LATERAL
Away from the midline of the body.
Define MEDIAL
Towards the middle of the body.
Define POSTERIOR
Towards the back of the body.
Define ANTERIOR
Towards the front of the body.
Define PROXIMAL
Closer to the point of attachment or origin.
Define DISTEL
Farther from the point of attachment or origin.
Define EXTERNAL
Outside of, or outer.
Define INTERNAL
Inside of (e.g: the skeleton is internal to the skin)
What is FLEXION
Decreasing the angle between two body parts. (e.g: bending the elbow or knee)
What is EXTENSION
Increasing the angle between two body parts. (e.g: straightening the elbow or knee)
What is ABDUCTION
Moving a body part away from the midline of the body. (e.g: raising the arm or leg to the side).
What is ADDUCTION
Moving a body part toward the midline of the body (e.g: lowering the arm or leg back to the side).
What is INTERNAL (MEDIAL) ROTATION
Internal rotation: rotation towards the middle (e.g: rotating the shoulder so the arm points inwards).
What is EXTERNAL (LATERAL) ROTATION
External (lateral) rotation: Rotation away from the midline (e.g: rooting the shoulder so the arm points outward).
What is CIRCUMDUCTION
Circumduction is a circular movement that combines flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. (e.g: moving the arm in a circular motion)
What is ELEVATION
Raising a body part (e.g: shrugging the shoulders)
What is DEPRESSION
Lowering a body part (e.g: returning the shoulders to the normal position after a shrug).
What is PROTRACTION
Moving a body part forward (e.g: jutting the jaw forward).
What is RETRACTION
Moving a body part backward (e.g: pulling the jaw back)
What is SUPINATION
Rotation the forearm so the palm faces up or forward.
What is PRONATION
Rotating the forearm so the palm faces down or backwards
What is DORSI FLEXION
Bending the foot upward at the ankle (e.g:lifting the toes towards the shin).
