Anatomical terms

Question 1

Define anatomy

Answer 1

The study of internal and external structures of the body and the physical relationships among body parts

Question 2

Define gross anatomy (macroscopic)

Answer 2

Larger structures of the body that are visible without the aid of magnification

Question 3

Define microscopic anatomy

Answer 3

Anatomy of cells and tissue structures too small to observe without a microscope

Question 4

Define physiology

Answer 4

The study of the functions and activities of structures of the body and of the physical and chemical changes involved

Question 5

What are the three types of macroscopic anatomy?

Answer 5

1. regional anatomy
2. systems anatomy
3. surface anatomy

Question 6

Define regional anatomy

Answer 6

How different body structures work together in a particular region of the human body

Question 7

Define systems anatomy

Answer 7

The anatomy of body systems

Question 8

Define surface anatomy

Answer 8

The study of anatomical landmarks that can be identified by observing the surface of the body

Question 9

What are the two types of microscopic anatomy

Answer 9

1. Cytology
2. Histology

Question 10

What is cytology?

Answer 10

The study of cells

Question 11

What is cytopathology?

Answer 11

How cells are affected by disease

Question 12

What is histology?

Answer 12

The study of tissues

Question 13

What is histopathology

Answer 13

How tissue structure is affected by disease

Question 14

What is the main technique used for cytopathology to diagnose?

Answer 14

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) - may be ultrasound guided

Question 15

What is the main technique used in histopathology diagnosis?

Answer 15

Ultrasound guided core biopsy - very thin sections are placed on glass and stained to show different components of tissue to make diagnosis

Question 16

What are the features of the anatomical position?

Answer 16

1. standing upright
2. facing forward
3. arms straight
4. palms facing forwards
5. feet together and parallel
6. toes pointing forwards

Question 17

Define superior (cranial)

Answer 17

Towards the head end of the body: upper

Question 18

Define inferior (caudal)

Answer 18

Away from the head; lower

Question 19

Define anterior (ventral)

Answer 19

Towards the front

Question 20

Define posterior (dorsal)

Answer 20

Towards the back

Question 21

Define medial

Answer 21

Towards the midline

Question 22

Define lateral

Answer 22

Away from the midline

Question 23

Define proximal

Answer 23

Towards or nearest the trunk, or the point of origin of a part (e.g. the elbow is proximal to the wrist)

Question 24

Define distal

Answer 24

Away from or farthest from the trunk or point of origin of a part

Question 25

Define ipsilateral

Answer 25

On the same side of the body

Question 26

Define contralateral

Answer 26

On the opposite side of the body

Question 27

Define frontal plane (coronal plane)

Answer 27

Divides the body/organ into anterior and posterior

Question 28

Define sagittal plane

Answer 28

Divides the body/organ vertically into right and left sides

Question 29

Define transverse plane (horizontal plane)

Answer 29

Divides the body/organ into upper and lower portions

Question 30

Define pathology

Answer 30

The study and diagnosis of a disease

Question 31

Define pathogenesis

Answer 31

The specific cause of a disease at the cell or tissue level

Question 32

Define pathophysiology

Answer 32

The study of how abnormalities caused by disease affect normal physiology, often causing illness

Question 33

Define embryology

Answer 33

The science of the development of an embryo from fertilisation of the ovum to the foetal stage