Introduction to Anatomy Flashcards
What is the anatomical position?
The anatomical position is standing upright with feet together, hands by the side, face looking forward, palms facing forward, and toes pointing forward.
Name the three anatomical planes.
- Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into right and left parts.
- Coronal Plane: Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.
- Transverse Plane: Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.
What is the difference between proximal and distal?
Proximal: Nearer to the centre or midline.
Distal: Further from the centre or midline.
Define the axial skeleton.
The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.
Define the appendicular skeleton.
The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the upper and lower limbs.
What are the classifications of bones by shape?
Long bones: Tubular, e.g., femur.
Short bones: Cuboidal, e.g., wrist bones.
Flat bones: Broad and flat, e.g., skull.
Irregular bones: Various shapes, e.g., vertebrae.
Sesamoid bones: Embedded in tendons, e.g., patella.
What are the main functions of bones?
Support for the body.
Protection of vital organs.
Reservoirs for calcium and phosphorus.
Levers for movement.
Containers for blood-producing cells.
What are the terms of movement associated with the sagittal plane?
Flexion and extension.
What is the role of sesamoid bones?
They act like pulleys, providing a smooth surface for tendons to slide over and increasing the tendon’s ability to transmit muscular forces.
List three types of movements specific to the foot and ankle.
Dorsiflexion.
Plantarflexion.
Inversion/Eversion.
What are the two general categories of joints?
Synovial joints: Skeletal elements separated by a cavity.
Solid joints: Components held together by connective tissue without a cavity.
What are the key features of a synovial joint?
Articulating surfaces covered with hyaline cartilage.
Joint capsule with an inner synovial membrane and an outer fibrous membrane.
May contain articular discs, fat pads, or tendons.
List the types of synovial joints by shape.
Plane: Sliding or gliding (e.g., acromioclavicular joint).
Hinge: Flexion and extension (e.g., elbow).
Pivot: Rotation (e.g., atlanto-axial joint).
Bicondylar: Movement in one axis with limited rotation (e.g., knee).
Condylar: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction (e.g., wrist).
Saddle: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction (e.g., thumb).
Ball-and-socket: Multiaxial movements (e.g., hip).
What are the types of solid joints?
Fibrous joints: Include sutures, gomphoses, and syndesmoses.
Cartilaginous joints: Include synchondroses and symphyses.
Define accessory movements at a joint.
Involuntary, small gliding adjustments between joint surfaces to ensure smooth movement.
Examples: spin, roll, glide/slide.
What factors limit joint movement?
Tension in ligaments.
Tension in antagonist muscles.
Approximation of soft tissues or bony parts.
What is the “close packed position” of a joint?
When joint surfaces are in full congruence with structures under tension, providing the most stability.
What are the three types of muscle in the human body?
Cardiac: Involuntary, striated.
Smooth: Involuntary, non-striated.
Skeletal: Voluntary, striated.
What are the three types of muscle fibres?
Type I (Slow oxidative): Fatigue-resistant, endurance.
Type IIa (Fast oxidative): Moderate resistance to fatigue.
Type IIb (Fast glycolytic): Rapid fatigue, powerful movements.
What are the roles of skeletal muscles?
Produce movement.
Stabilise joints.
Maintain posture.
Generate body heat.
Store glycogen.
Protect viscera and give body contour.
What are the four roles of muscles during movement?
Agonist (Prime mover): Responsible for movement.
Antagonist: Opposes the movement of the agonist.
Fixator: Stabilises the base for the agonist.
Synergist: Enhances control by preventing unwanted movements.
What are the types of muscle work?
Isometric: No change in muscle length; tension increases.
Isotonic: Muscle length changes.
Concentric: Muscle shortens.
Eccentric: Muscle lengthens.
What is muscle insufficiency?
Active insufficiency: Agonist muscle can’t shorten enough for full movement at both joints.
Passive insufficiency: Antagonist muscle can’t lengthen enough for full movement at both joints.
Define cartilaginous joints and their types.
Synchondroses: Cartilage separates developing bone (e.g., growth plates).
Symphyses: Two bones connected by cartilage (e.g., pubic symphysis).
What are the movements at synovial joints?
Flexion/Extension.
Abduction/Adduction.
Circumduction.
Rotation.
