Medical Terms Flashcards
anatomy
the science of structure, relationship revealed by the dissection (cutting apart) imaging techniques (x-ray, MRI, ct scan, etc.)
physiology
the science of the body functions, some genetic variations occur
anatomical position
standing erect with palms and feet facing forward, is the standard reference point in which all positions, movement, and planes are described
anterior
refers to a structure being more in front than another structure in the body
posterior
refers to a structure being more in the back than another structure in the body
deep
refers to a structure being closer to the core of the body than another structure
superficial
refers to a structure being closer to the surface of the body than another structure
distal
refers to a structure being farther away from the ROOT of the limb than another structure in the limb
proximal
refers to a structure being closer to the ROOT of the limb than another structure in the limb
dorsal
towards the back
ventral
towards the front or belly
inferior
refers to a structure being lower or closer to the feet than another structure in the body (below)
superior
refers to a structure being higher or closer to the head than another structure in the body (above)
lateral
refers to a structure being farther away from the midline than another structure in the body
medial
refers to a structure being closer to the midline than another structure in the body
frontal/coronal
the plane dividing the body into front and back portions
transverse
the horizontal plane dividing the body into upper and lower portions
saggital/mid-sagital
the plane dividing the body into right and left portions
bilateral
pertaining to both sides of the body
prone
lying face down
supine
lying face up
body cavities
spaces within the body that hold internal organs
abdominal cavity
(stomach area) contain digestive system
cranial cavity
(inside skull, head) holds brain
