Anatomy glossary Flashcards
How much blood is in the average adult?
6 Quarts or 5.5 Liters
Body area between the diaphragm and the pelvis
Abdomen
To move away from the midline
Abduct
To bluntly adjoin another structure; for example the line of eye closure
Abut
This term is applied to a lesser structure that resembles in structure and function a similar organ, as an example the accessory pancreatic duct
Accessory
Organs that contribute to the digestive process but are not part of the alimentary canal, including the tongue, teeth, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder
Accessory Digestive Organs
Cup-like cavity on lateral surface of hip bone that receives the femur
Acetabulum
A contractile protein in cells, especially abundant in muscle cells
Actin
A large, transient depolarization event, including polarity reversal, that is conducted along the plasma membrane of a nerve axon or muscle cell without diminishing in intensity
Action Potential
Producing severe symptoms in the short term; rapidly developing
Acute
The study of glands
Adenology
A triangular body covering the superior surface of each kidney
Adrenal Gland
To move toward the midline of the body
Adduct
This muscle makes of the medial border of the femoral triangle
Adductor Longus
This muscle appears at the bottom of the femoral triangle
Adductor Magnus
The pharyngeal tonsil on the roof of the pharynx
Adenoids
Molecule in cells that stores and releases chemical energy for use in body cells
Adenosine Triosphate ATP
Fatty
Adipose
Hormone secreting gland located superior to the kidney; consists of medulla and cortex areas
Adrenal Gland AKA Suprarenal Gland
Epinephrine
Adrenaline
Outer coat of a tube shaped structure such as blood vessels
Adventitia aka Externa
Oxygen requiring
Aerobic
Nerve cell that carries impulses toward the central nervous system; sensory neuron
Afferent Neuron
The digestive system tube from the mouth to the anus, including the mouth or buccal cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines
Alimentary Canal
Overzealous immune response to an otherwise harmless substance
Allergy
A bony ridge found on the inferior surface of the Maxilla and the superior surface of the Mandible which contains the sockets for the teeth
Alveolar Process
An abnormal protrusion of the Alveolar Process(es)
Alveolar Prognathism
Literally a small cavity; in the lungs, these are microscopic saclike dilations of terminal bronchioles
Alveolus
Organic compound containing nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; building block of proteins
Amino Acid
Saclike dilation of a tube or duct
Ampulla
To cut off a limb; to dismember
Amputate
Connection between vessels; for example, the Circle of Willis is this of certain cerebral arteries
Anastomoses
A descriptive reference for locating arteries and veins by means of anatomical structures which are known
Anatomical Guide
Points of origin and points of termination in relation to adjacent structures; used to designate the boundaries of arteries
Anatomical Limits
The body is erect, feet together, palms facing forward, and thumbs are pointed away from the body
Anatomical Position
The structure of an organism; the branch of science dealing with the structure of organisms
Anatomy
Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood; results from too few erythrocytes or from abnormal hemoglobin
Anemia
Blood filled saclike dilation of the wall of an artery
Aneuysm
The study of the circulatory system
Angiology
The degree from vertical at which the surfaces of a prominent feature projects
Angle of Projection
The small convex prominence found lateral to the end of the line of closure of the mouth; a natural facial marking
Angulus Oris Eminence
The groove found at each end of the line of closure of the mouth, a natural facial marking
Angulus Oris Sulcus
An opening
Aperture
The depression just in front of the elbow joint
Antecubital
Before or in front of; refers to the ventral or abdominal side of the body
Anterior aka Ventral
External opening of the nostrils
Anterior Nares
A protein molecule that is secreted by a plasma cell and that binds to an antigen in immune responses
Antibody
A molecule that is recognized as foreign by the immune system, activates the immune system, and reacts with immune cells or antibodies
Antigen
The inner rim of the ear
Antihelix
A small eminence obliquely opposite the tragus on the superior border of the lobe of the ear
Antitragus
Cavity; for example, the _______ of Highmore, the space in each maxillary bone, or the maxillary sinus
Antrum
The main trunk of the systemic arterial system
Aorta
Pointed end of a conical structure
Apex
Death brought about by the cessation of respiration or improper functioning of the respiratory apparatus
Apnea
Flat sheet of white fibrous tissue that serves as a muscle attachment, a tendon
Aponeurosis
Pertaining to an appendix; pertaining to the limbs
Appendicular
The bony structure that makes up the shoulder girdle, upper extremities, pelvis, and lower extremities
Appendicular Skeleton
Includes the scapula, clavicle, humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges
Appendicular Skeleton (Upper)
Includes the os coxa, femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges
Appendicular Skeleton (Lower)
Circular, pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple
Areola
Vessels carrying blood away from the heart
Arteries
Small arteries whose walls are comprised of smooth muscle and endothelia cells
Arterioles
Watery fluid in the anterior segment of the eye
Aqueous Humor
Curved, as the beak of an eagle, as viewed form the profile, a nose which exhibits a hook of convexity in its dorsum
Aquiline
The web-like middle layer of the three meninges
Arachnoid Matter
A structure which exhibits a curved or bow-like outline
Arch
The inferior margin of the nasal wing which forms a distinct concave arc superiorly
Arch of the Wing
Containing minute interspaces in a tissue
Areolar
Hardening of the arteries; any of a number of degenerative changes in the walls of arteries leading to a decrease in their elasticity
Arteriosclerosis
Minute arteries with muscular walls and about .2 mm in diameter; a terminal artery continuous with the capillary network
Arterioles
The place of union between two or more bones; a joint
Articulation
The first part of the colon in the right side of the abdomen
Ascending Colon
Accumulation of serous fluids in the peritoneal cavity
Ascites
Indicates a weakness or feebleness of any organ or function
Asthenia
Lack of symmetry, balance, or proportion
Asymmetry
Changes in the walls of large arteries involving the deposit of lipid plaques; the most common variety of arteriosclerosis
Atherosclerosis
Fatty degeneration or thickening of the walls of the larger arteries occurring in atherosclerosis
Atheroma
Paired, superiorly located heart chambers that receive blood returning to the heart
Atria
Chamber or cavity; for example, atrium of each side of the heart
Atrium
A wasting, decrease in size of an organ or tissue
Atrophy
General visceral motor division of the peripheral nervous system; innervates smooth and cardiac muscle, and glands
Autonomic Nervous System
Situated in or pertaining to an axis (a real or imaginary line that runs through the center of a body or about which a point revolves)
Axial
This includes 74 bones that form the upright axis of the body and 6 tiny middle ear bones
Axial Skeleton
The bones included in the axial skeleton are
Skull Hyoid Vertebrae Ribs Sternum
The armpit area is known as
Axillary
Lymphocytes that oversee humoral immunity; they divide to generate plasma cells, which secrete antibodies
B Cells aka B Lymphocytes
Areas of gray matter located deep within the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres; regulate certain aspects of movement
Basal Nuclei aka Basal Ganglia
The arm pit
Base of the axillary space
Established by drawing a line along the fold of skin which envelops the lateral border of the pectoralis major muscle
Anterior Boundary
Established by drawing a line along the fold of skin which envelops the lateral border of the latissimus dorsi muscle
Posterior Boundary
Established by drawing a line which connects the two points where the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi muscles blend into the chest wall
Medial Boundary
Established by drawing a line which connects the two points where the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi muscles blend into the arm
Lateral Boundary
Is the heart valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle
Bicuspid Valve aka Mitral Valve
Relating to, or having two sides
Bilateral
Dissimilarities existing in the two sides or halves of an object
Bilateral Differences
The bilateral view; an inferior or superior viewpoint which permits the comparison of the two sides or halves of an object or facial feature
Bilateral Silhouette
The symmetry of paired organs, of an organism whose right and left halves are mirror images of each other, or in which a median longitudinal section divides the organism into equivalent right and left halves
Bilateral Symmetry
Greenish fluid secreted by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the small intestine; helps start the breakdown of fats
Bile
Pertaining to bile
Biliary
The organs and ducts that participate in the secretion, storage, and delivery of bile in the duodenum
Biliary Tract
A reddish-brown (actually yellow) pigment from the result of hemoglobin breakdown
Bilirubin
A green discoloration resulting from further breakdown of hemoglobin due to high HCHO index and an acid medium
Biliverdin
Removing a piece of living tissue to examine it under a microscope. Usually done to diagnose a suspected disease condition
Biopsy
A membranous sac or receptacle for a secretion
Bladder
A thin vesicle on the skin containing liquid matter
Blister
Tissue that circulates through the vascular system and is composed of approximately 22% solids and 78% water
Blood
The pH of blood is slightly
Alkaline aka Base (7.4)
Force exerted by blood against a unit area of the blood vessel walls; differences in blood pressure between different areas of the circulation provide the driving force for blood circulation
Blood Pressure
The cell type, present throughout life, from which all blood cells arise. Present in the bone marrow.
Not only gives rise to blood cells, but also to mast cells, osteoclasts, and dendritic cells of the immune system.
Blood Stem Cell aka Pluripotential Hematopoietic Stem Cell
Circulatory network composed of the heart, arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins
Blood Vascular System
The horizontal portion of the lower jaw
Body of the Mandible
Acute, deep-seated inflammation in the skin which usually begins as a subcutaneous swelling in a hair follicle
Boil aka Furuncle
A rounded mass of food prepared by the mouth for swallowing
Bolis
Pertaining to the arm
Brachial
Collectively, the midbrain, pons, and medulla of the brain
Brain Stem
A raised support; the arched portion of the nose which is supported by the nasal bones; a structure or span connecting two parts of a mutilated bone
Bridge
Small branch of a bronchus
Bronchiole
One of the two branches of the trachea
Bronchus
An injury caused by a blow without laceration
Bruise AKA Contusion AKA Ecchymosis AKA Suggilation
Relating to the cheek or mouth
Buccal
The space between the lips and the gums and teeth; the vestibule of the oral cavity
Buccal Cavity
Natural, shallow concavities of the cheeks which extend obliquely downward from the medial or lateral margins of the cheekbones
Buccal Depressions
The principle muscle of the cheek which compresses the cheeks and forms the lateral wall of the mouth
Buccinator AKA Trumpeters Muscle
The vertical furrow of the cheek; an Acquired facial marking
Bucco-Facial Sulcus
Tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone
Calcaneal AKA Achilles Tendon
The posterior; lower leg
Calf
Cup shaped division of the renal pelvis
Calyx
The dome like superior portion of the cranium; that portion removed during cranial autopsy
Calvarium
A narrow tube, channel, or passageway
Canal
Microscopic blood vessels; capillaries connect arterioles with venules
Capillary AKA Microscopic Lymphatic Vessels
Several communicating boils of the skin and subcutaneous tissues with the production and discharge of pus and dead tissue
Carbuncle
A cancer-causing chemical or material
Carcinogen
Is an indentation in the left lung where the heart lies against the lung forming an indentation
Cardiac Notch
The yellow pigment of the skin
Carotene
Pertaining to the wrist
Carpal
The smallest vessels between the arterioles and venules which walls are only comprised of endothelia cells
Capillary
Capsula; a sheath or continuous enclosure around an organ or structure
CApsule
A canal in the petrous portion of the temporal bone that transmits the internal carotid artery and the internal carotid plexus of sympathetic nerves
Carotid Canal
A specialized type of dense connective tissue; attached to the ends of bones and forming parts of structures, such as the nasal septum and the framework of the ear
Cartilage
Refers to the study of the heart
Cardiology
The formation of cavities in an organ or tissue; frequently seen in some forms of tuberculosis
Cavitation
A hollow place or area
Cavity
White, semiopaque, resilient connective tissue
Cartilage AKA Gristle
Pertaining to the tail of an animal; Opposite of cephalic
Caudal
Blind pouch; the pouch at the proximal end of the large intestine
Cecum
Pertaining to the abdomen
Celiac
Situated at or pertaining to a center
Central
Brain and spinal cord. Centriole Barrel-shaped organelle formed of microtubles and located near the nucleus of the cell; active in cell division
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The head
Cephalic
Brain region that is attached to the pons and smoothes and coordinates body movements.
Cerebellum
The narrow cavity of the midbrain that connects the third and fourth ventricles
Cerebral Aqueduct
The external, gray matter region of the cerebral hemispheres
Cerebral Cortex
Neck; Any neck-like structure
Cervix
Funnel-shaped openings, especially of the posterior nares; one of the communicating passageways between the nasal fossae and the pharynx
Chonae
A steroid lipid found in animal fats as well as in the plasma membranes of the cells
Cholesterol
Bar-like body of tightly coiled chromatin, visible during cell division; typical human cells have 46
Chromosome
Long-term; prolonged
Chronic
Food that has been processed by the stomach that is ready to exit via the intestine
Chyme
The eyelashes
Cilia
Motile, hair-like projection from the apical surface of certain epithelial cells
Cilium
Is comprised of 9 arteries, the right and left internal carotid, the anterior communicating artery, which serves to link the right and left anterior cerebral arteries, the right and left posterior cerebral arteries and the right and lest posterior communicating arteries
Circle of Willis
A chronic disease, particularly of the liver, characterized by an overgrowth of connective tissue, or fibrosis
Cirrhosis
A phase of somatic death lasting from 5-6 minutes during which life may be restored
Clinical Death
Snail shaped chamber of the bony labyrinth in the inner ear; houses the receptor for hearing (spiral organ, or organ of Corti)
Cochlea
The large intestine from the end of the cecum to the anal canal that surrounds the anus
Colon
The fleshy termination of the nasal septum at the base of the nose; located between the nostrils; the most inferior part of the mass of the nose
Columna Nasi
Exhibiting a depressed or hollow surface
Concave
A facial profile variation in which the forehead protrudes beyond eyebrows while the chin recedes from the plane of the upper lip
Concave-Convex Profile
A depressed profile form which may dip concavely from root to tip
Concave Nasal Profile
A basic facial profile form in which the forehead protrudes beyond the eyebrows while the chain protrudes beyond the plane of the upper lip (least Common)
Concave Profile (Infantine, Retrousse)
A facial profile variation in which the forehead protrudes beyond the eyebrows while the upper lip and chin project equally to an imaginary vertical line
Concave-Vertical Profile
One of the three nasal conchae; a scroll like bone
Concha
A rounded protuberance at the end of the bone forming an articulation
Condyle
A primary tissue; form and function vary widely, but all connective tissues contain a large amount of extracellular matrix; functions include support, holding tissue fluid, and protection from disease
Connective Tissue
Thin, protective mucous membrane that covers the white of the eye and the internal surface of eyelids
Conjunctiva
Transparent anterior portion of the eyeball
Cornea
That portion of the cornea recovered for transplantation in situ. The cornea and sclera considered together comprising the tunica fibrosa or fibrous coat of the eye
Corneal Sclera Button
Legal term referring to a dead body
Corpse
Having an abnormal amount of fat on the body
Corpulence AKA Obesity
The outer layer of an organ as distinguished from the inner medulla, as in the adrenal gland, kidney, ovary, lymph node, thymus, and cerebrum and cerebellum
Cortex
A glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex
Cortisol
Pertaining to the ribs
Costal
Sensory nerves in the retina of the eye having to do with color detection
Cones of the Eye
Basically serves the purpose of protecting, supporting, and binding body parts together
Connective Tissue
Curved evenly; resembling a segment of the outer edge of a sphere
Conves
A profile variation in which the forehead recedes from the eyebrows while the chin protrudes beyond the plane of the upper lip
Convex-Concae Profile
A nasal profile which exhibits a hump in its linear form
Convex Nasal Profile (Roman, aquiline)
A basic profile form in which the forehead recedes from the eyebrows while the chin recedes from the plane of the upper lip (Most Common)
Convex Profile
A profile variation in which the forehead recedes from the eyebrows while the chin and upper lip project equally to an imaginary vertical line
Convex-Vertical Profile
Vertical prominences of the neck; an acquired facial marking
Cords of the neck
The transparent structure which constitutes the anterior segment of the external layer of the eyeball
Cornea
Having an abnormal amount of fat on the body
Corpulence
A pyramid shaped muscle of facial expression which draws the eyebrows inferiorly and medially
Currogator
The 12 pairs of nerves that attach to the brain
Cranial Nerves
The part of the human skill which encloses the brain
Cranium
A ridge; example, the iliac crest; a less prominent ridge is called a line
Crest
Crackling sensation produced when gases trapped in tissues are palpated, as in subcutaneous emphysema
Crepitation
Thin, medial portion of the ethmoid bone of the skill
Cribriform Plate
The topmost part of the head
Crown AKA Vertex
The superior and anterior bifurcating branches of the antihelix of the ear
Crura of the Antihelix
Pertaining to the forearm
Cubital
A normal or abnormal bending or sloping away; a curve
Curvature
Pertaining to the skin
Cutaneous
A condition of skin puckering caused by the contraction of the erector pili
Cutis Ansernia
Bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membrane due to lack of oxygen
Cyanosis
A sac within or on the body surface containing air or fluid
Cyst
Of or pertaining to a cyst; pertaining to the gallbladder; pertaining to the urinary bladder
Cystic
The part of a cell between the plasma membrane and the nucleus; contains many organelles
Cytoplasm
Irreversible cessation of all vital functions
Death
Separation of the head from the body; The act of such separation
Decapitation
Below the surface
Deep
Carrying away
Deferens
Elimination of the contents (feces) of the bowel
Defecation
Loss of moisture from body tissue which may occur antemortem or postmortem
Dehydration
Neuron process that transmits signals toward the cell body and serves as receptive region of the neuron; most branch extensively
Dendrite
Oblique insertion of the teeth
Dental Prognathism aka Buck teeth
A nuecleic acid found in all living cells; carries the organisms hereditary information
Deoxyribonucleic Acid DNA
To lower inferiorly or to reduce projection
Depress
A hollow or concave region; the lowering of a part
Depression
A muscle of facial expression which depresses the angle of the mouth
Depressor Anguli Oris
A muscle of facial expression which draws the lower lip inferiorly and slightly lateral
Depressor Labii Inferioris
The leathery layer of skin, deep to the epidermis; composed largely of dense irregular connective tissue
Dermis, Derma, Corium, True Skin
The section of the colon which turns downward at the splenic flexure and descends on the left side of the abdomen
Descending Colon
Process of drying out
Desiccation
Sloughing off of the epidermis wherein there is a separation of the epidermis from the underlying dermis
Desquamation aka Skin Slip
Reduction of the toxic properties of a poisonous substance
Detoxification
Refers to the study of the body before birth
Developmental Anatomy aka Embryology
A variation from the common or established
Deviations
Disease characterized by passage of a large quantity of dilute urine plus intense thirst and dehydration; caused by inadequate release of antiduretic hormone
Diabetes Insipidous Type 1 AKA Juvenile Diabetes
Disease cause by deficient release of, or deficient use of, insulin; characterized by an inability of the body cells to use sugars at a normal rate and by high blood sugar levels
Diabetes Mellitus aka Type 2 aka Adult Onset Diabetes
Relaxation phase of the heart action, or beat
Diastole
A double bellied muscle which draws the hyoid bone superiorly
Digastricus
Anatomical term describing fingers and toes
Digits
The condition of the heart being enlarged, occurring normally, artificially, or as a result of disese
Dilatation (Dilation)
Any partition or wall separating one area from another; the muscular sheet that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity
Diaphragm
The spreading of particles in a gas or solution from regions of high particle concentration to regions of low concentration, with movement toward a uniform distribution of the particles
Diffusion
Expansion or widening of a vessel, organ, or opening
Dilation
Disjoining of bones
Disarticulate
Any abnormal color in or upon the human body
Discoloration
Any deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of a body part, organ, or system
Disease
Farthest from the center, from a medial line, or from the trunk; opposite to proximal
Distal
A state of being twisted or pushed out of natural shape or position
Distrotion
Outpocketing from a tubular organ such as the intestine
Diverticulum
Pertaining to the book; opposite of ventral
Dorsal aka Posterior
A wooden or metal rod used as an armature; Inserted into the foramen magnum to reattach a decapitation
Dowel
The first and shortest part of the small intestine
Duodenum
Most external and toughest of the three membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord
Dura Mater
The organ of hearing
Ear aka Pinna
Abnormal accumulation of tissue fluid in the loose connective tissue; causes the affected body region to swell
Edema AKA Dropsy
Muscle or gland capable of being activated by motor nerve endings
Effector
Carrying away or away from, especially a nerve fiber that carries impulses away from the central nervous system
Efferent aka Motor (neurons)
A raised surface or part
Elevation
Excessive leanness; a wasted condition resulting in sunken surfaces of the face
Emaciation
A severe skin irritation due to prolonged exposure to formaldehyde or other embalming chemicals
Embalmer’s Eczema
Any abnormal mass carried freely in the bloodstream; maybe a clot, bubble of air, mass of fat, or clumps of cells
Embolus
A prominence or projection, especially of a bone
Eminence
The layer that lines the inner surface of the heart wall; consists of endothelium and areolar connective tissue
Endocardium
Secreting into the blood or tissue fluid rather than into a duct
Endocrine
Mucous membrane lining the uterus
Endometrium
The simple squamous epithelium that lines the walls of the heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels
Endothelium
The removal of an entire mass or part, especially a tumor or the eyeball, without rupture
Enucleation
An organic catalyst produced by living cells and capable of autolytic decomposition
Enzymes
The outermost layer of skin; the cuticle or scarf skin
Epidermis
Bleeding from the nose
Epistaxis
