Q25, 25. With reference to anatomical terminology

Question 1

Briefly define the following terms

i. Superior ii Contralateral iii Lateral flexion

Answer 1

i. Superior-a structure that is positioned relatively more towards the head
ii. Contralateral- opposite side to the side being discussed
iii. Lateral flexion – leaning trunk toward one side

Question 2

Give an example of each of the following bony features:
i Epicondyle
ii Articular surface
iii spine

Answer 2

i. Epicondyle –a raised rounded bony prominence on a condyle of a long bone e.g medial epicondyle of the humerus.
ii. Articular surface- the surface of a bone that joins to another bone, found at proximal and distal ends of a bone and covered in hyaline cartilage. Eg head of femur which articulates with acetabulum
iii. Spine – a sharp raised prominence of a bone for the attachment of muscles and ligaments e.g spine of scapula

Question 3

Briefly explain the structure and function/ purpose of the following:
i Articular capsule
ii Synovial fluid
iii Fat pad

Answer 3

i. Articular capsule- sleeve of white fibrous connective tissue surrounding the joint, enclosing the bone ends within it. It protects the joint, provides stability and holds bones together, is a base layer for the synovial membrane and prevents escape of synovial fluid.
ii. Synovial fluid – viscous fluid released by the synovial membrane, it fills all available space in the joint nourishes the articular cartilage, lubricates it.
iii. Fat pad-pad of fat tissue may be imposed between synovial membrane and the capsule to cushion certain movements.

Question 4

Define the sagittal plane and axis

Answer 4

Sagittal plane – vertical plane which divides the body into two halves (left and right)
Sagittal axis – a single point on the sagittal plane at right angle to the frontal plane about which movement can occur.