Introduction Flashcards
What does the term ‘superior’ refer to in directional terms?
Toward the head or upper part of the body
Example: The head is superior to the neck.
What does the term ‘inferior’ indicate?
Away from the head, toward the lower part of the body
Example: The stomach is inferior to the lungs.
Define ‘anterior’ in the context of directional terms.
Toward the front of the body
Example: The chest is anterior to the back.
What does ‘posterior’ mean?
Toward the back of the body
Example: The heart is posterior to the sternum.
What does the term ‘medial’ signify?
Closer to the midline of the body
Example: The nose is medial to the eyes.
What is the meaning of ‘lateral’?
Away from the midline of the body
Example: The ears are lateral to the eyes.
Define ‘proximal’.
Closer to the point of attachment or origin
Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist.
What does ‘distal’ refer to?
Farther from the point of attachment or origin
Example: The fingers are distal to the elbow.
What does ‘superficial’ mean?
Toward or at the body surface
Example: The skin is superficial to the muscles.
Define ‘deep’ in anatomical terms.
Away from the body surface, more internal
Example: The bones are deep to the skin.
How is the structure of bones related to their function?
Bones are hard and rigid, allowing them to support and protect organs and provide a framework for movement.
What is the function of the heart’s structure?
The heart’s four chambers efficiently pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.
How does the structure of the lungs facilitate gas exchange?
The spongy tissue and large surface area provided by alveoli enable efficient absorption of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide.
Fill in the blank: The structure of a body part is directly related to its _______.
[function]
True or False: The structure of body parts does not influence their functions.
False
