Anatomical terms Flashcards
Define anatomy
The study of internal and external structures of the body and the physical relationships among body parts
Define gross anatomy (macroscopic)
Larger structures of the body that are visible without the aid of magnification
Define microscopic anatomy
Anatomy of cells and tissue structures too small to observe without a microscope
Define physiology
The study of the functions and activities of structures of the body and of the physical and chemical changes involved
What are the three types of macroscopic anatomy?
- regional anatomy
- systems anatomy
- surface anatomy
Define regional anatomy
How different body structures work together in a particular region of the human body
Define systems anatomy
The anatomy of body systems
Define surface anatomy
The study of anatomical landmarks that can be identified by observing the surface of the body
What are the two types of microscopic anatomy
- Cytology
- Histology
What is cytology?
The study of cells
What is cytopathology?
How cells are affected by disease
What is histology?
The study of tissues
What is histopathology
How tissue structure is affected by disease
What is the main technique used for cytopathology to diagnose?
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) - may be ultrasound guided
What is the main technique used in histopathology diagnosis?
Ultrasound guided core biopsy - very thin sections are placed on glass and stained to show different components of tissue to make diagnosis
What are the features of the anatomical position?
- standing upright
- facing forward
- arms straight
- palms facing forwards
- feet together and parallel
- toes pointing forwards
Define superior (cranial)
Towards the head end of the body: upper
Define inferior (caudal)
Away from the head; lower
Define anterior (ventral)
Towards the front
Define posterior (dorsal)
Towards the back
Define medial
Towards the midline
Define lateral
Away from the midline
Define proximal
Towards or nearest the trunk, or the point of origin of a part (e.g. the elbow is proximal to the wrist)
Define distal
Away from or farthest from the trunk or point of origin of a part
Define ipsilateral
On the same side of the body
Define contralateral
On the opposite side of the body
Define frontal plane (coronal plane)
Divides the body/organ into anterior and posterior
Define sagittal plane
Divides the body/organ vertically into right and left sides
Define transverse plane (horizontal plane)
Divides the body/organ into upper and lower portions
Define pathology
The study and diagnosis of a disease
Define pathogenesis
The specific cause of a disease at the cell or tissue level
Define pathophysiology
The study of how abnormalities caused by disease affect normal physiology, often causing illness
Define embryology
The science of the development of an embryo from fertilisation of the ovum to the foetal stage
