Introduction To Anatomical Terminology Flashcards
Anatomy
The study of the structure and the shape of the body and it’s parts and their relationships to one another.
Physiology
The study of how the body and its parts work or function
Gross anatomy
Looking at the whole organ
Microscopic anatomy
Observing the cells
Anterior view
Front with palms up
Posterior view
Back with palms down
Supine position
Body laying face up and palms down
Prone position
Body laying face down and palms up
Anterior (or ventral)
Front of body
E.G toes are anterior to foot
Posterior (or dorsal)
Back of body
E.G heel is posterior to foot
Superior (or cranial)
Towards the head or upper part of a structure of the body
E.G head is superior to abdomen
Inferior (or caudal when referring to inferior spine)
Away from the head or towards the lower part of a structure of the body
E.G abdomen is inferior to head
Medial
Towards the midline of body
E.G heart is medial to arm
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body
E.G arms are lateral to the heart
Intermediate
Between a more medial and a more lateral structure
E.G the collarbone is intermediate between the breast bone and the shoulder
Proximal
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
Distal
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
Superficial
Position closest to surface of body
E.G skin is superficial to the internal organs
Deep
Position furthest from surface of body
E.G liver is deep into the abdomen
Sagittal plane
The imaginary line that runs from top of head to bottom of pelvis
Frontal plane
The imaginary line that separates front from back (anterior from posterior)
Traverse plane
The imaginary line that separates top half of body from bottom
Dorsal body cavities
Cranial cavity and spinal cavity
Ventral body cavities
Thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity
