Anatomical Terminology Flashcards
Why is the use of anatomical language vital within science?
Anatomical terminology allows for precise descriptions of body structures, reduces ambiguity, increases clarity, avoids confusion, and is universally understood.
What is the anatomical position?
A worldwide standard position where a person is stood upright, head, eyes, and toes directed anteriorly, upper limbs by the sides with palms facing anteriorly, and lower limbs close with feet parallel and toes directed anteriorly.
What does ‘anterior’ refer to?
The front of the body.
What does ‘posterior’ refer to?
The back of the body.
True or False: ‘Ventral’ is interchangeable with ‘anterior’.
True
What does ‘superior’ mean?
Towards the head or above.
What does ‘inferior’ mean?
Towards the feet or below.
What are the terms used for quadrupedal animals instead of ‘superior’ and ‘inferior’?
- Cranial (towards head) * Caudal (towards tail)
What does ‘proximal’ mean?
Closer to where the limb inserts into the body.
What does ‘distal’ mean?
Further away from where the limb inserts into the body.
What does ‘medial’ describe?
Something closer to the midline.
What does ‘lateral’ describe?
A point which is further from the midline.
What is the median plane?
A vertical line passing longitudinally through the body’s center into left and right halves.
What are the four anatomical planes?
- Sagittal * Frontal (coronal) * Transverse (axial) * Oblique
What does the sagittal plane do?
Divides the body into left and right portions.
What does the frontal (coronal) plane do?
Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.
What does the transverse (axial) plane do?
Divides the body into superior and inferior portions.
What are oblique planes?
Cuts through the body at oblique angles.
What movements are associated with abduction of the digits?
Spreading fingers.
What movements are associated with adduction of the digits?
Closing fingers.
What is the definition of flexion?
Movement that decreases the angle between body parts.
What is the definition of extension?
Movement that increases the angle between body parts.
What does pronation of the forearm do?
Rotates the palm to face a posterior direction.
What does supination of the forearm do?
Rotates the palm to face an anterior direction.
