Anatomy #1: A First Look At Anatomy Flashcards
Cryotechnolody
Anatomists discovered in early 1800s that cross sections obtained from frozen cadavers and parts of cadavers provided incredible insight into the complexity of the human body. The nature of the frozen specimens improved int he 1900s with advancements in this field, which came to be called cryotechnology.
In the late 1980s, the Visible Human Project began. Two donated bodies were deep-frozen in blue gelatin, and then cute into extremely thin cross sections from head to toe. Each newly exposed layer was photographed digitally for computer analysis.
Anatomy
Study of structure. Derived from Greek and means “to cut apart.”
Physiology
Scientific discipline that studies the function of body structures.
Microscopic Anatomy
Examines structures that cannot be observed by the unaided eye. For most such studies, scientists prepare individual cells of thin slices of some part of the body and examine them by microscope.
Cytology
Cellular Anatomy. The study of single body cells and their internal structures.
Histology
Study of tissues. Takes a wider approach to microscopic anatomy by examining how groups of specialized cells and their products function for a common purpose.
Gross Anatomy
Also called macroscopic anatomy. Investigates the structure and relationships of large body parts that are visible to the unaided eye. Preserved specimens often cut open for examination.
Comparative Anatomy
Examines the similarities and differences in the anatomy of species.
Developmental Anatomy
Investigates the changes in structure within an individual from conception through maturity.
Embryology
Embryon= young one
Concerned specifically with developmental changes occuring prior to birth.
Regional Anatomy
Examines all the structures in a particular region of the body as one complete unit.
Example, the skin, connective tissue and fat, bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the neck.
Surface Anatomy
Examines both superficial anatomic markings and internal body structures as they relate to the skin covering them. Health-care providers use surface features to identify and locate specific bony processes at joints as well as to obtain a pulse or a blood sample from a patient.
Systemaic Anatomy
Studies the gross anatomy of each system int he body.
Example, studying the urinary system would involve examining the kidneys, where urine is formed, along with the organs of urine transplant and storage.
Pathologic Anatomy
Examines all anatomic changes resulting from disease.
Radiographic Anatomy
Studies the relationships among internal structures that may be visualized by specific scanning procedures, such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, or x-ray.
Surgical Anatomy
Investigates the anatomic landmarks used before and after surgery.
Example, prior to back surgery, the location of the L4 vertebra is precisely identified by drawing an imaginary line between the hip bones. This intersection of this line with the vertebral column shows the location of L4.
Chemical Level
Simplest level of organization which is composed of atoms and molecules.
Atom
Smallest units of matter; two or more atoms form a molecule, such as protein, water, or a vitamin.
Cells
The basic units of structure and function in organisms.
Cellular Level
Specialized structural and functional units called organelles permit all living cells to share certain common functions. The structures of cells vary widely, reflecting the specializations needed for their different functions.
Tissue Level
Groups of similar cells with a common function form this stage.
Tissues are precise organizations of similar cells that perform specialized functions.
Four types of tissues.
1) Epithelial - covers exposed surfaces and lines body cavities
2) Connective - protects, supports, and interconnects body parts and organs
3) Muscle - produces movement
4) Nervous - conducts impulses for internal communication.
Organ Level
Different tissue types combine to form an organ.
Organs contain two or more tissue types that work together to perform specific, complex functions.
Organ System Level
Consists of related organs that work together to coordinate activities and achieve a common function. Like the respiratory system.
Organismal Level
Highest level of structural organization.
All body systems function interdependently in a single living human being, the organism.
Cystic Fibrosis
A common consequence of a specific genetic mutation in someone’s DNA. This results when a defective or abnormal region in a molecule of DNA affects the normal function of cells in certain body organs. These cells are unable to transport salt across their membranes, thus disrupting the normal salt and water balance in the fluid covering these cells.
Organization
All organisms exhibit a complex structure and order.
Metabolism
All organisms carry out various chemical reactions. This term is the sum of all of them.
Growth & Development
During their lifetime, organisms assimilate materials from their environment and exhibit increased size and increased specialization as related to form and function. As the human body grows in size, structures become more complex and sophisticated.
Responsiveness
All organisms sense and respond to changes in their internal or external environment. For example, a stimulus to the skin of the hand, such as extremely hot or cold temp, causes a human to withdraw hand from stimulus, to prevent injury.
Adaptation
Over a period of time, an organism may alter an anatomic structure, physiologic process, or behavioral trait to increase its expected long-term reproductive success, such as a darkening of skin pigmentation in the equatorial region due to an increase in sun exposure.
Regulation
Control and regulatory mechanisms within an organism maintain a consistent internal environment, a state called homeostatis. (homoios=similar, stasis=standing).
In a constantly changing environment, every organism must be able to maintain this “steady state.”
Reproduction
All organisms produce new cells for growth, maintenance, and repair. In addition, an organism produces gametes that, under the right conditions, have ability to develop into a new living organism.
Anatomic Position
An individual stands upright with the feet parallel and flat on the floor. The head is level, and the eys look forward toward the observer. The arms are at either side of the body with the palms facing forward and the thumbs pointing away from the body.
Coronal (Frontal) Plane
A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts. When a coronal plane is taken through the trunk, the anterior portion contains the chest, and the posterior portion contains the back.
Transverse Plane
Also called a cross-sectional plane or horizontal plane, cuts perpendicularly along the long axis of the body or organ. The body of organ is separated into both superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts, and the relationship of neighboring organs at a particular level is revealed. Computed tomography (CT) scans provide transverse sectional images of the body for study.
Midsagittal Plane
Or median plane. Extends through the body or organ vertically and divides the structure into right and left halves.
A plane that is parallel to the midsaggital plane, but either to the left or right of it, is termed a sagittal plane. Thus, a sagittal plane divides a structure into right and left portions that may or may not be equal. Although there is only one midsagittal plane, an infinite # of sagittal planes are possible.
A midsagittal or sagittal plane is often used to show internal body parts.
Oblique Plane
Passes through the specimen at an angle.
Anterior
In front of; toward the front surface.
The stomach is anterior to the spinal cord.
Posterior
In back of; toward the back surface.
The heart is posterior to the sternum.
Dorsal
At the back side of the human body.
The spinal cord is on the dorsal side of the body.
Ventral
At the belly side of the human body.
The umbilicus (navel, belly button) is on the ventral side of the body.
Superior
Closer to the head.
The chest is superior to the pelvis.
Inferior
Closer to the feet.
The stomach is inferior to the heart.
Caudal
At the rear or tail end.
The abdomen is caudal to the head.
Cranial
At the head end.
The head is cranial to the trunk.
Rostral
Toward the nose.
The frontal love is rostral to the occipital love.
Medial
Toward the midline of the body.
The lungs are medial to the shoulders.
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body.
The arms are lateral to the heart.
Deep
On the inside, underneath another structure.
Muscles are deep to the skin.
Superficial
On the outside.
The external edge of the kidney is superficial to its internal structure.
Proximal
Closest to point of attachment to trunk.
The elbow is proximal to the hand.
Distal
Furthest from point of attachment to trunk.
The wrist is distal to the elbow.
Axial Region
Includes the head, neck, and trunk; it forms the main vertical axis of the body.
Appendicular Region
Our limbs, or appendages, attach to the body’s axis and make up the appendicular region.
Abdominal
Region inferior to the thorax (chest) and superior to the hip bones.
Antebrachial
Forearm (the portion of the upper limb between the elbow and the wrist).
Antecubital
Region anterior to the elbow; also known as the cubital region.
Auricular
Ear (visible surface structures of the ear and the ear’s internal organs).
Axillary
Armpit
Brachial
Arm (the portion of the upper limb between the shoulder and the elbow).
Buccal
Cheek
Calcaneal
Heel of the foot.
Carpal
Wrist
Cephalic
Head
Cervical
Neck
Coxal
Hip
Cranial
Skull
Crural
Leg (the portion of the lower limb between the knee and the ankle).
Deltoid
Shoulder
Digital
Fingers or toes (also called phalangeal).
Dorsal
Back.
Femoral
Thigh
Fibular
Lateral aspect of the leg.
Frontal
Forehead
Gluteal
Buttock
Hallux
Great toe.
Inguinal
Groin (sometimes used to indicate just the crease in the junction of the thigh with the trunk).
Lumbar
Relating to the loins, or the part of the back and sides between the ribs and pelvis.
Mammary
Breast
Manus
Hand
Mental
Chin
Nasal
Nose
Occipital
Posterior aspect of the head.
Olecranal
Posterior of the elbow.
Oral
Mouth.
Orbital
Eye
Palmar
Palm of the hand.
Patellar
Kneecap
Pelvic
Pelvis
Perineal
Diamond-shaped region between the thighs that contains the anus and selected external reproductive organs.
Pes
Foot
Plantar
Sole of the foot.
Pollex
Thumb
Popliteal
Area posterior to the knee.
Pubic
Anterior region of the pelvis.
Radial
Lateral aspect of the forearm.
Sacral
Posterior region between the hip bones.
Scapular
Shoulder blade.
Sternal
Anterior middle region of the thorax.
Sural
Calf (posterior part of the leg).
Tarsal
Root of the foot.
Thoracic
Chest or thorax.
Tibial
Medial aspect of the leg.
Ulnar
Medial aspect of the forearm.
Umbilical
Navel
Vertebral
Spinal column.
Posterior Aspect
Part of the axial region. Has two enclosed cavities.
A cranial cavity is formed by the cranium (specifically, the neurocranium) and houses the brain.
A vertebral canal is formed by the individual bones of the vertebral column and contains the spinal cord.
These two cavities are encased in bone and thus are physically and developmentally different from the ventral cavity. Therefore, the parallel term dorsal body cavity is not used here.
Ventral Cavity
Part of the axial region. Arises from a space called the coelom that forms during embryonic development. The ventral cavity eventually becomes partitioned into a superior thoracic cavity and an inferior abdominopelvic cavity with the formation of the thoracic diaphragm, a muscular partition that develops between these cavities.
Both the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities are lined with thin serous membranes, which are composed of two layers. A parietal layer lines the internal surface of the body wall, while a visceral layer covers the external surface of organs (viscera) within the cavity. Between the parietal and visceral layers of the serous membrane is a thin serous cavity that is actually a potential space. A potential space is capable of becoming a larger cavity. A serous cavity contains a film of serous fluid that is secreted by the cells of the serous membranes. Serous fluid has the consistency of oil, and serves as a lubricant. In a living human, the organs (e.g., heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines) are moving and rubbing against each other and the body wall. This constant movement causes friction. The serous fluids lubricant properties reduce this friction and help the organs move smoothly against both one another and the body wall.
Mediastinum
The median space in the thoracic cavity is called the mediastinum. It contains the heart, thymus, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels.
The right and left sides of the thoracic cavity contain the lungs, which are lined by a two-layered serous membrane called the pleura.
Pericadium
Within the mediastinum, the heart is enclosed by a two layered serous membrane called the pericadium. The parietal pericardium (peri=around, kardia=heart) is the outermost layer and forms the sac around the heart; the visceral pericardium (epi=upon) forms the heart’s external surface. The pericardial cavity is the potential space between the parietal and visceral pericardia; it contains serous fluid.
Pleura
The right and left sides of the thoracic cavity contain the lungs, which are lined by a two-layered serous membrane called the pleura.
The outer layer of this serous membrane is the parietal pleura; it lines the internal surface of the thoracic wall.
The inner layer of this serous membrane is the visceral pleura; it covers the external surface of the ling.
The narrow, moist, potential space between the parietal and visceral layers is called the pleural cavity, and is the location of lubricating serous fluid.
Abdominopelvic Cavity
Consists of an abdominal cavity, which is superior to an imaginary line drawn between the superior aspects of the hip bones, and a pelvic cavity that is inferior to this imaginary line.
Abdominal cavity contains most of the organs of the digestive system, as well as kidneys and ureters.
The organs of the pelvic cavity consist of the distal part of the large intestine, the urinary bladder and urethra, and the internal reproductive organs.
Peritoneum
A moist, two-layered serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity.
The parietal peritoneum, the other layer of this serous membrane, lines the internal walls of the abdominopelvic cavity.
Visceral Peritoneum, the inner layer of this serous membrane, ensheathes the external surfaces of most of the digestive organs.
The potential space between these serous membrane layers in the abdominopelvic cavity is the peritoneal cavity, where the lubricating serous fluid is located.
Abdominopelvic Regions
To accurately describe organ location in the larger abdominopelvic cavity, anatomists and health-care professionals commonly partition the cavity into smaller, imaginary compartments. There are 9.
Epigastric Region
Abdominopelvic region. It’s the superior region in the middle column, typically contains part of the liver, part of the stomach, the duodenum, part of the pancreas, and both adrenal glands.
Umbilical Region
Abdominopelvic region. It’s the middle region in the middle column, typically contains the transverse colon (middle part), part of the small intestine, and the branches of the blood vessels to the lower limbs.
Hypogastric Region
Abdominopelvic region. It’s the inferior region in the middle column, typically contains part of the small intestine,t he urinary bladder, and the sigmoid colon of the large intestine.
Right and Left Hypochondriac Regions
Abdominopelvic regions. They’re the superior regions lateral to the epigastric region.
The right one typically contains part of the liver, the gallbladder, and part of the right kidney.
The left one typically has part of the stomach, the spleen, the left colic flexure of the large intestine, and part of the left kidney.
Right and Left Lumbar Regions
Abdominopelvic regions. They’re the middle regions lateral to the umbilical region.
The right one has the ascending colon and the right colic flexure of the large intestine, the superior part of the cecum, part of the right kidney, and part of the small intestine
The left one contains the descending colon, part of the left kidney, and part of the small intestine.
Right and Left Iliac Regions
Abdominopelvic regions. The inferior regions lateral to the hypogastric region.
The right one has the inferior end of the cecum, the appendix, and part of the small intestine
The left iliac region contains the junction of parts of the colon as well as part of the small intestine.
Auscultation
A diagnostic method that involves listening to the sounds produced by various body structures.
Palpation
Using the hands to detect organs, masses, or infiltration of a body part during a physical examination.
