Medical Terminology - Key Terms and Definitions (A-D)

Question 1

Abdominopelvic cavity

Answer 1

Houses the digestive organs, the pelvic cavity, and the reproductive organs.

Question 2

Anatomical position

Answer 2

That of a person standing straight up, with their feet parallel and shoulder width apart and their toes facing forward. The arms and legs are spread out to the sides, and the palms of the hands face forward.

Question 3

Anatomy

Answer 3

The branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms, especially as revealed by dissection and the separation of parts.

Question 4

Anterior (or ventral)

Answer 4

Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body.

Question 5

Atom

Answer 5

Smallest unit of elements.

Question 6

Cells

Answer 6

Smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism.

Question 7

Cerebrospinal fluid

Answer 7

A colorless fluid produced by the brain that cushions the brain and spinal cord

Question 8

Coelomic

Answer 8

Cavities that do not open to the outside.

Question 9

Combining form

Answer 9

A word root with a combining form vowel.

Question 10

Combining form vowel

Answer 10

This type of vowel connects parts of words and makes them easier to say. The combining form vowel that is used often is an o, but it can be an i or an e.

Question 11

Connective Tissue

Answer 11

A type of tissue that serves to hold in place, connect, and integrate the body’s organs and systems.

Question 12

Cranial cavity

Answer 12

The space in the skull that houses the brain.

Question 13

Cutaneous membrane

Answer 13

Epithelial tissue made up of stratified epithelial cells that cover the outside of the body; skin.

Question 14

Deep

Answer 14

Describes a position farther from the surface of the body.

Question 15

Distal

Answer 15

Describes a position in a limb farther from the point of attachment or the body’s trunk.