Introduction To Anatomical Terminology

Question 1

Anatomy

Answer 1

The study of the structure and the shape of the body and it’s parts and their relationships to one another.

Question 2

Physiology

Answer 2

The study of how the body and its parts work or function

Question 3

Gross anatomy

Answer 3

Looking at the whole organ

Question 4

Microscopic anatomy

Answer 4

Observing the cells

Question 5

Anterior view

Answer 5

Front with palms up

Question 6

Posterior view

Answer 6

Back with palms down

Question 7

Supine position

Answer 7

Body laying face up and palms down

Question 8

Prone position

Answer 8

Body laying face down and palms up

Question 9

Anterior (or ventral)

Answer 9

Front of body

E.G toes are anterior to foot

Question 10

Posterior (or dorsal)

Answer 10

Back of body

E.G heel is posterior to foot

Question 11

Superior (or cranial)

Answer 11

Towards the head or upper part of a structure of the body

E.G head is superior to abdomen

Question 12

Inferior (or caudal when referring to inferior spine)

Answer 12

Away from the head or towards the lower part of a structure of the body
E.G abdomen is inferior to head

Question 13

Medial

Answer 13

Towards the midline of body

E.G heart is medial to arm

Question 14

Lateral

Answer 14

Away from the midline of the body

E.G arms are lateral to the heart

Question 15

Intermediate

Answer 15

Between a more medial and a more lateral structure

E.G the collarbone is intermediate between the breast bone and the shoulder

Question 16

Proximal

Answer 16

Close to the origin of the body part or part of limb that attaches to trunk of body
E.G upper arm is proximal portion of arm

Question 17

Distal

Answer 17

Further from the origin of the body part or the part of limb that is furthest from trunk
E.G forearm is distal portion of arm

Question 18

Superficial

Answer 18

Position closest to surface of body

E.G skin is superficial to the internal organs

Question 19

Deep

Answer 19

Position furthest from surface of body

E.G liver is deep into the abdomen

Question 20

Sagittal plane

Answer 20

The imaginary line that runs from top of head to bottom of pelvis

Question 21

Frontal plane

Answer 21

The imaginary line that separates front from back (anterior from posterior)

Question 22

Traverse plane

Answer 22

The imaginary line that separates top half of body from bottom

Question 23

Dorsal body cavities

Answer 23

Cranial cavity and spinal cavity

Question 24

Ventral body cavities

Answer 24

Thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity