Body Planes and Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures

Question 1

Anatomical Position

Answer 1

In the anatomical position, the person stands erect, facing forward, and the arms are at the sides of the body with the palms of the hands turned forward, and the feet parallel to each another.

Question 2

Coronal (frontal) plane

Answer 2

divides the body into an anterior and posterior section

Question 3

Transverse (horizontal) plane

Answer 3

divides the body into top and bottom sections

Question 4

Midsagittal (median) plane

Answer 4

runs through the center of the body, dividing the body into right and left halves

Question 5

Auscultation (diagnostic; clinical)

Answer 5

Listening to the heart, bowel and lungs with or without a stethoscope to assess the presence and quality of sounds.

Question 6

Inspection (diagnostic; clinical)

Answer 6

General observation of the patient as a whole, progressing to specific body areas.

Question 7

Palpation (diagnostic; clinical)

Answer 7

Gentle application of the hands to a specific structure or body area to determine size, consistency, texture, symmetry, and tenderness of underlying structures.

Question 8

Percussion (diagnostic; clinical)

Answer 8

Tapping a body structure with the hand or fingers to assess consistency and the presence or absence of fluids within the underlying structure.

Question 9

Endoscopy (diagnostic; endoscopic)

Answer 9

Visual examination of a body cavity or canal using a specialized lighted instrument called an endoscope. Endoscopy is used for biopsy, surgery, aspiration of fluids, and coagulation of bleeding areas.

Question 10

Blood chemistry analysis (diagnostic; laboratory)

Answer 10

Laboratory test, usually performed on serum, to determine biochemical imbalances, abnormalities, and nutritional conditions, such as a cholesterol test.

Question 11

Complete blood count (diagnostic; laboratory)

Answer 11

Broad screening test used to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to determine anemias, infections, and other diseases.

Question 12

Complete blood count (CBC) (diagnostic; laboratory)

Answer 12

Broad screening test used to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to determine anemias, infections, and other diseases.

Question 13

Computed tomography (CT) (diagnostic; imaging)

Answer 13

Imaging technique that rotates an x-ray emitter around the area to be evaluated and measures the intensity of transmitted rays from different angles.

Question 14

Computed tomography (CT) (diagnostic; imaging)

Answer 14

Imaging technique that rotates an x-ray emitter around the area to be evaluated and measures the intensity of transmitted rays from different angles. In a CT scan the computer generates a detailed cross-sectional image that appears as a slice. It may detect tumor masses, bone displacement, and fluid accumulation.

Question 15

Fluoroscopy (diagnostic; imaging)

Answer 15

Technique in which x-rays are directed through the body to a fluorescent screen that displays internal structures in continuous motion. Fluoroscopy helps to view the motion of organs and follow the movement of contrast dye during a cardiac catheterization, an angiography, or an upper gastrointestinal series (barium swallow) and to aid in the placement of catheters or other structures.

Question 16

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (diagnostic; imaging)

Answer 16

Technique that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field, rather than an x-ray beam, to produce highly detailed, multiplanar, cross-sectional views of soft tissues.

Question 17

Nuclear scan (diagnostic; imaging)

Answer 17

Technique in which a radioactive material (radiopharmaceutical) called a tracer is introduced into the body (inhaled, ingested, or injected), and a specialized camera (gamma camera) produces images of organs and structures.

Question 18

Positron emission tomography (PET) (diagnostic; imaging)

Answer 18

Computed tomography records positrons (positively charged particles) emitted from a radiopharmaceutical to produce a cross-sectional image of metabolic activity of body tissues to determine the presence of disease.

Question 19

Radiography (diagnostic; imaging)

Answer 19

Technique in which x-rays are passed through the body or area and captured on a film to generate an image.

Question 20

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (diagnostic; imaging)

Answer 20

Radiological technique that integrates computed tomography (CT) and a radioactive material (tracer) injected into the bloodstream to visualize blood flow to tissues and organs.

Question 21

Ultrasonography (US) (diagnostic; imaging)

Answer 21

High-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are directed at soft tissue and reflected as “echoes” to produce an image on a monitor of an internal body structure; also called ultrasound, sonography and echo.

Question 22

Biopsy (procedures; surgical)

Answer 22

Removal of a representative tissue sample from a body site for microscopic examination, usually to establish a diagnosis.

Question 23

Ablation (procedures; surgical)

Answer 23

Removal of a body part, pathway, or function by surgery, chemical destruction, electrocautery, freezing, or radio frequency (RF).

Question 24

Anastomosis (procedures; surgical)

Answer 24

Surgical joining of two ducts, vessels, or bowel segments to allow flow from one to another.

Question 25

Curettage (procedures; surgical)

Answer 25

Scraping of a body cavity with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette.

Question 26

Electrocauterization (procedures; surgical)

Answer 26

Use of an electrically activated instrument to burn and destroy diseased tissue. Commonly used for removing tumors and warts and treating common nosebleeds.

Question 27

Incision and drainage (I&D) (procedures; surgical)

Answer 27

Incision made to allow the free flow of fluids and pus from a wound, abscess, or body cavity.

Question 28

Laser surgery (procedures; surgical)

Answer 28

Use of a high-intensity laser light beam to remove diseased tissue, to stop bleeding, or for cosmetic purposes.

Question 29

Revision (procedures; surgical)

Answer 29

Surgical procedure used to replace or compensate for a previously implanted device or correct an undesirable result or effect of a previous surgery.

Question 30

Excisional biopsy (procedures; surgical)

Answer 30

Biopsy in which the entire lesion in removed.

Question 31

Incisional biopsy (procedures; surgical)

Answer 31

Biopsy in which only a small sample of the lesion is removed.