Introduction to Health Science

Question 1

Homeostasis

Answer 1

The process in which organ systems work to maintain a stable internal environment.

Question 2

Anatomical Position

Answer 2

is that of the body standing upright, with the feet at shoulder width and parallel, toes forward.

Question 3

Prone

Answer 3

describes a face-down orientation.

Question 4

Supine

Answer 4

describes a face up orientation.

Question 5

Anterior

Answer 5

(or ventral) Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body. The toes are anterior to the foot.

Question 6

Posterior

Answer 6

(or dorsal) Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body. The popliteus is posterior to the patella.

Question 7

Superior

Answer 7

(or cranial) describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper. The orbits are superior to the oris.

Question 8

Inferior

Answer 8

(or caudal) describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column). The pelvis is inferior to the abdomen.

Question 9

Lateral

Answer 9

describes the side or direction toward the side of the body. The thumb (pollex) is lateral to the digits.

Question 10

Medial

Answer 10

describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body. The hallux is the medial toe.

Question 11

Proximal

Answer 11

describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The brachium is proximal to the antebrachium.

Question 12

Distal

Answer 12

describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The crus is distal to the femur.

Question 13

Superficial

Answer 13

describes a position closer to the surface of the body. The skin is superficial to the bones.

Question 14

Deep

Answer 14

describes a position farther from the surface of the body. The brain is deep to the skull.

Question 15

Sagittal Plane

Answer 15

The sagittal plane is the plane that divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides. If this vertical plane runs directly down the middle of the body, it is called the midsagittal or median plane. If it divides the body into unequal right and left sides, it is called a parasagittal plane or less commonly a longitudinal section.

Question 16

Frontal Plane

Answer 16

The frontal plane is the plane that divides the body or an organ into an anterior (front) portion and a posterior (rear) portion. The frontal plane is often referred to as a coronal plane. (“Corona” is Latin for “crown.”)

Question 17

Transverse Plane

Answer 17

The transverse plane is the plane that divides the body or organ horizontally into upper and lower portions. Transverse planes produce images referred to as cross sections.

Question 18

Dorsal Cavity

Answer 18

The dorsal (posterior) cavity and the ventral (anterior) cavity are the largest body compartments.

Question 19

Ventral Cavity

Answer 19

The dorsal (posterior) cavity and the ventral (anterior) cavity are the largest body compartments.

Question 20

Cranial Cavity

Answer 20

The cranial cavity houses the brain.

Question 21

Spinal Cavity

Answer 21

The spinal cavity (or vertebral cavity) encloses the spinal cord.

Question 22

Thoracic Cavity

Answer 22

The thoracic cavity is the more superior subdivision of the anterior cavity, and it is enclosed by the rib cage. he thoracic cavity contains the lungs and the heart, which is located in the mediastinum.

Question 23

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Answer 23

The abdominopelvic cavity is the largest cavity in the body. Although no membrane physically divides the abdominopelvic cavity, it can be useful to distinguish between the abdominal cavity, the division that houses the digestive organs, and the pelvic cavity, the division that houses the organs of reproduction.