Introduction to Clinical Anatomy Flashcards
Regional Anatomy
Organizes the body by major segments or parts (ex. head & neck, thorax)
Regional Anatomy is also known as
Topographical Anatomy
Each of these regions can be
further subdivided into specific areas
Systemic anatomy
focuses on the body’s organ systems (ex. skeletal system, muscular systemm)
Clinical anatomy combines
regional anatomy and systemic anatomy
Regional anatomy and systemic anatomy are studied together from a
structural and functional perspective in the context of the practice of medicine. dentistry or other allied health sciences
Clinical anatomy emphasizes the
anatomical underpinnings of function and how to use this knowledge to solve clinical problems
Terminologia Anatomica
international latin anatomy “bible”
Most anatomical structures are named for (4)
location, shape, function, or some other descriptive attribute
Anatomical position
how anatomical descriptions are expressed relative to one specific position of the body
What does anatomical position look like (3)
head, gaze (eyes), and toes directed anteriorly (forward)
arms adjacent to the sides with the palms facing anteriorly
lower limbs close together with the feet parallel
Median plane
divides into right and left halves
Sagittal plane
divides the body into left and right sides
Frontal (coronal) plane
divides the body into front and back
Transverse plane
divides the body into superior and inferior
Bilateral
both sides
Unilateral
one side
Ipsilateral
same side
Contralateral
opposite sides
Opposition vs reposition
Opposition brings the thumb and little finger together. Reposition is a movement that moves the thumb and the little finger away from each other, effectively reversing opposition
Supination vs pronation
Supination means that when you walk, your weight tends to be more on the outside of your foot. Pronation means that when you walk, your weight tends to be more on the inside of your foot.
Protraction vs retraction
Protraction is movement of a body part in the anterior direction, i.e. being drawn forwards. The movement of protraction is the opposite of the movement of retraction.
Anatomical variation
no two organisms of the same species are completely identical in terms of anatomy, although they can be mostly the same. There will be differences in the size, shape, and in some cases location, of different anatomical features
Differing degrees of anatomical variation can range from
normal variation to pathological variation, with the most severe being incompatible with life
When learning about anatomy, we focus on the
most commonly observed patterns of structure in the body (ie. average/usual)
