Body Planes and Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures Flashcards
Anatomical Position
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.
Coronal (frontal) plane
divides the body into an anterior and posterior section
Transverse (horizontal) plane
divides the body into top and bottom sections
Midsagittal (median) plane
runs through the center of the body, dividing the body into right and left halves
Auscultation (diagnostic; clinical)
Listening to the heart, bowel and lungs with or without a stethoscope to assess the presence and quality of sounds.
Inspection (diagnostic; clinical)
General observation of the patient as a whole, progressing to specific body areas.
Palpation (diagnostic; clinical)
Gentle application of the hands to a specific structure or body area to determine size, consistency, texture, symmetry, and tenderness of underlying structures.
Percussion (diagnostic; clinical)
Tapping a body structure with the hand or fingers to assess consistency and the presence or absence of fluids within the underlying structure.
Endoscopy (diagnostic; endoscopic)
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.
Blood chemistry analysis (diagnostic; laboratory)
Laboratory test, usually performed on serum, to determine biochemical imbalances, abnormalities, and nutritional conditions, such as a cholesterol test.
Complete blood count (diagnostic; laboratory)
Broad screening test used to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to determine anemias, infections, and other diseases.
Complete blood count (CBC) (diagnostic; laboratory)
Broad screening test used to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to determine anemias, infections, and other diseases.
Computed tomography (CT) (diagnostic; imaging)
Imaging technique that rotates an x-ray emitter around the area to be evaluated and measures the intensity of transmitted rays from different angles.
Computed tomography (CT) (diagnostic; imaging)
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.
Fluoroscopy (diagnostic; imaging)
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.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (diagnostic; imaging)
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.
Nuclear scan (diagnostic; imaging)
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.
Positron emission tomography (PET) (diagnostic; imaging)
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.
Radiography (diagnostic; imaging)
Technique in which x-rays are passed through the body or area and captured on a film to generate an image.
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (diagnostic; imaging)
Radiological technique that integrates computed tomography (CT) and a radioactive material (tracer) injected into the bloodstream to visualize blood flow to tissues and organs.
Ultrasonography (US) (diagnostic; imaging)
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.
Biopsy (procedures; surgical)
Removal of a representative tissue sample from a body site for microscopic examination, usually to establish a diagnosis.
Ablation (procedures; surgical)
Removal of a body part, pathway, or function by surgery, chemical destruction, electrocautery, freezing, or radio frequency (RF).
Anastomosis (procedures; surgical)
Surgical joining of two ducts, vessels, or bowel segments to allow flow from one to another.
