Scientific and anatomical terminology

Question 1

What is the meaning of the prefix ‘cyto’?

Answer 1

Cell

Question 2

What is the meaning of the suffix ‘itis’?

Answer 2

Inflammation

Question 3

In which direction does the coronal plane run?

Answer 3

Runs vertically and divides the body into posterior and anterior (front and back) sections

Question 4

In which direction does the transverse (axial) plane run?

Answer 4

Runs horizontally and divides the body into superior and inferior sections

Question 5

In which direction does the sagittal plane run?

Answer 5

Median (mid-sagittal) divides the body into equally left and right parts
Sagittal (para-sagittal) planes lie vertically and parallel

Question 6

What is the difference between cranial and caudal?

Answer 6

Cranial is towards the head whereas caudal is towards the anus

Question 7

What is the difference between dorsal and ventral?

Answer 7

Dorsal is on the top whereas ventral is underneath

Question 8

What is the difference between medial and lateral?

Answer 8

Medial is towards the midline whereas lateral is away from the midline

Question 9

What is the difference between proximal and distal?

Answer 9

Proximal means closer to the origin whereas distal means further away from the origin

Question 10

What is the difference between abduction and adduction?

Answer 10

Abduction means moving away from the midline whereas adduction means moving closer to the midline

Question 11

What is the difference between flexion and extension

Answer 11

Flexion means decreasing the angle between two body parts whereas extension means increasing the angle between two body parts.

Question 12

What is the difference between medial and lateral rotation?

Answer 12

Medial rotation is rotational movement towards the midline whereas lateral rotation is rotational movement away from the midline

Question 13

What is the difference between pronation and supination?

Answer 13

Pronation is upwards rotational movement whereas supination is downwards rotational movement

Question 14

What is the difference between dorsiflexion and plantarflexion?

Answer 14

Dorsiflexion refers to flexion at the ankle so that the foot points more superiorly whereas plantarflexion refers to extension at the ankle so that the foot points more inferiorly

Question 15

What is the difference between opposition and reposition?

Answer 15

Opposition brings the thumb and little finger away whereas reposition moves them away (essentially reversing opposition)

Question 16

What is circumduction?

Answer 16

Circumduction can be defined as the conical movement of a limb extending from the joint at which the movement is controlled

Question 17

What is the difference between protraction and retraction

Answer 17

Protraction describes the anterolateral movement of the scapula on the thoracic wall that allows the shoulder to move anteriorly, whereas retraction refers to the posteromedial movement of the scapula on the thoracic wall which causes the shoulder region to move posteriorly