Anatomy Intro Flashcards
Dissection
To cut open
Prosection
Carefully prepared dissections for the demonstration of anatomical structures
Fascia
Thin sheath of fibrous connective tissue enclosing a muscle or other organ
Foramen
An opening or hole, providing passage, especially through a bone
Fissure
A groove or tear between two structures
Fossa
Hollow or depressed area
Pleura
Membrane lining the thoracic cavity (parietal pleura) and covering the lungs (visceral pleura)
Bilateral
Paired structures having right and left members (e.g. the kidneys)
Unilateral
Structures occurring on one side only (e.g spleen)
Ipsilateral
Occurring on the same side of the body as another structure; The knee and foot of the same lower limb is considered ipsilateral, same side
Contralateral
Occurring on the opposite side of the body relative to another structure; the right hand is contralateral to the left hand
Superior
A structure nearer to the top of the cranium
Inferior
A structure nearer to the bottom of the feet
Cranial
Relates to the cranium and also used directionally toward the head
Caudal
Directionally toward the feet or tail/ coccyx
Medial
Near the median plane of body
Lateral
Away from the median plane of the body
Proximal
Contrasting positions that are near from the attachment of a limb
Distal
Contrasting positions that are further from the attachment of a limb
Anterior
Front
Ventral
Front
Posterior
Back
Dorsal
Back
Dorsum
Usually refers to the superior aspect of any part that protrudes anteriorly from the body, such as the dorsum of the tongue, nose, penis, or foot. It is also used to describe the posterior surface of the hand
Palmar Surface
Surface of the hand and fingers corresponding to the palm
Plantar Surface
Surface of the foot and toes corresponding to the sole
Rostral
Often used instead of anterior when describing parts of the brain (Lat. for beak); nearer the anterior part of the head (e.g. The frontal lobe of the brain is rostral to the cerebellum)
External
Outside of or farther from the center of an organ or cavity, independent of direction
Internal
Inside or closer to the center of an organ or cavity, independent of direction
Cells
The basic structural and functional unit of organisms; they can connect body parts, form lining of body cavities, gather information, and maintain homeostasis.