Anatomical Terminology

Question 1

The anatomical position

Answer 1

All descriptions of the human body are based on assumption that the person is standing erect with the arms by their side and with the face and the palms of the hands facing forward.

Question 2

The median or midsaggital plane

Answer 2

This is a vertical plane passing through the center of the body dividing it into equal right and left halves.

Question 3

Coronal, frontal or ventral plane.

Answer 3

A plane going through the center of the body at right angles to the median or midsaggital plane that divides the body into two equal halves - front and back.

Question 4

Horizontal or transverse plane

Answer 4

The horizontal planes that cross the body at right angles to the coronal and saggital planes and are parallel to the floorline.

Question 5

Medial

Answer 5

Any structure said to be medial to another is nearer the midline.

Question 6

Lateral

Answer 6

Any structure that is said to be lateral to another is further away from the midline or at the side of the body.

Question 7

Proximal

Answer 7

Toward an attached base. The thigh is proximal to the foot.

Question 8

Anterior or Ventral

Answer 8

This indicates that the structure being described is nearer the front of the body.

Question 9

Posterior or Dorsal

Answer 9

This indicates taht the structure being described is nearer the back of the body.

Question 10

Superior

Answer 10

Above, or at a higher level (in the human body - toward the head.)

Question 11

Inferior

Answer 11

Below, or at a lower level - away from the head.

Question 12

Cranial or Cephallic

Answer 12

Toward the head.

Question 13

Caudal

Answer 13

Towards the tail end of the long axis of the body, hte coccyx. The hips are caudal to the waist.

Question 14

Superficial

Answer 14

Near the surface.

Question 15

Deep

Answer 15

Below the surface.

Question 16

Articulation

Answer 16

Where two or more bones meet to form a joint. Another term for a joint.

Question 17

Articulating surface.

Answer 17

The ends of the bones that meet and form the joint.

Question 18

Border

Answer 18

An edge or boundary separating surfaces within a bone.

Question 19

Trochanter

Answer 19

A large rough projection for the attachment of muscles, ligaments, or tendons.

Question 20

Tuberosity

Answer 20

A smaller rough projection with the same function as a trochanter.

Question 21

Tubercle

Answer 21

A small, rounded projection.

Question 22

Foramen

Answer 22

A rounded passageway through a bone for nerves and blood vessels.

Question 23

Fossa

Answer 23

A shallow depression

Question 24

Head

Answer 24

The expanded articular end of an epiphysis sometimes separated from the shaft by a narrower neck.

Question 25

Condyle

Answer 25

A smooth rounded or articular process

Question 26

Trochlea

Answer 26

A smooth, grooved articular process shaped like a pulley.

Question 27

Facet

Answer 27

A small, flat articular surface that acts as part of a joint; facets are seen in the vertebrae in the subtalar joint of the ankle and of course the patella.

Question 28

Ramus

Answer 28

An extension of a bone making an angle to the rest of the structure.

Question 29

Crest

Answer 29

A prominent ridge.

Question 30

Line

Answer 30

A low ridge.

Question 31

Spine

Answer 31

A pointed process

Question 32

Process

Answer 32

Any projection or bump which gives attachment for muscles and ligaments - examples include the styloid and mastoid processes on the skull, and the ulnar styloid at the wrist.

Question 33

Sulcus

Answer 33

A narrow groove.

Question 34

Foramen

Answer 34

A rounded passageway for blood vessels and or nerves

Question 35

Fissure

Answer 35

An elongated cleft

Question 36

Meatus

Answer 36

A canal leading through the substance of a bone.

Question 37

Sinus or Antrum

Answer 37

A chamber within a bone, normally filled with air.

Question 38

Diaphysis

Answer 38

The thick, compact shaft of a long bone providing strong support.

Question 39

Epiphysis

Answer 39

The bulbous growth end of a long bone, usually wider than the shaft and entirely cartilaginous in the embryo. During growth the epiphyses are separated from the main portion of bone by cartilage known as the epiphyseal plate.

Question 40

Metaphysis

Answer 40

The wider portion of long bone between the diaphysis and the epiphysis. This portion of bone represents the most recently formed bone during the growth process. When fully developed it is continuous with the epiphysis.

Question 41

Flexion

Answer 41

Can be described as a movement in the anterior-posterior plane that reduces the angle between the articulating elements. When you bring your head to your chest.

Question 42

Extension

Answer 42

Occurs in the same plane but increases the angle between articulating elements. When you life your head form your chest, extension occurs.

Question 43

Abduction

Answer 43

This describes a movement away from the midline.

Question 44

Adduction

Answer 44

This describes a movement toward the midline in the frontal plane.

Question 45

Rotation

Answer 45

A movement about the long axis of a bone. If the anterior aspect rotates inward you have medial rotation, if it rotates outward you have lateral rotation.

Question 46

Pronation

Answer 46

This describes the movement of turning the palm downward.

Question 47

Supination

Answer 47

Describes the movement of turning the palm upward - as in the anatomical position.

Question 48

Circumduction

Answer 48

Combination of flexion, extension, abduction and adduction.

Question 49

Inversion

Answer 49

Describes the motion of turning the sole of the foot inward.

Question 50

Eversion

Answer 50

This is the opposite to inversion and describes the motion of turning the sole of the foot outward.

Question 51

Dorsiflexion

Answer 51

Describes the action of the elevation of the superior surface of the foot.

Question 52

Plantar Flexion

Answer 52

Describes the depression of the front downward at the ankle.