CHAPTER 2: THE HUMAN BODY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE Flashcards
What is the difference between anatomy and physiology?
Anatomy is the study of the body’s structures, while physiology is the study of the body’s structures’ functions.
What is the anatomical position?
standing up straight, facing forward, palms facing forward, arms held at the sides
What is the sagittal plane?
a vertical plane that divides the body into UNEQUAL left and right portions
What is the midsagittal plane?
a vertical plane that divides the body into EQUAL left and right halves. also known as the midline.
What is the frontal plane?
a vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. also known as the coronal plane.
What is the transverse plane?
a horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions. can be at any level across the body.
ventral
towards the front (stomach side) of the body
dorsal
towards the back side of the body
anterior
toward the front
posterior
toward the back
superior
above or toward the head
inferior
below or toward the feet
cephalic
toward the head
caudal
toward the tail or lower part of the body
proximal
near the midline or a body structure
distal
further from the midline or a body structure
medial
central or closer to the midline
lateral
to the side of the body or away from the midline
What is the dorsal cavity comprised of and where is it located?
cranial and spinal cord cavities, back of the body
What is the ventral cavity comprised of and where is it located
thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities; front of the body
Where is the cranial cavity located?
within the skull
Where is the spinal cord cavity located?
within the spinal column
Where is the thoracic cavity located and what does it contain?
above the diaphragm, contains the heart and lungs
Where is the abdominal cavity and what does it contain?
below the diaphragm, contains the major digestive organs
