Topic 1: Anatomical terms

Question 1

What is the definition of anatomical terms

Answer 1

Precise use of language to define position, direction and location in the body.

Question 2

Describe how to carry out the anatomical position.

Answer 2

1. The subject stands upright
2. Facing the observer
3. Head level and eyes facing forward
4. Feet are flat on the floor and directed forward
5. Arms are at the sides with the palms turned forward

Question 3

Definition of superior

Answer 3

Superior – towards the head or upper part of a structure

Question 4

Definition of inferior

Answer 4

Inferior – towards the feet, or lower part of a structure

Question 5

Definition of anterior/ventral

Answer 5

Anterior/ventral – nearer to or at the front of the body

Question 6

What other term can be used instead of anterior when describing position of body parts

Answer 6

Ventral

Question 7

Definition of posterior/dorsal

Answer 7

Posterior/dorsal – nearer to or at the back of the body

Question 8

What other term can be used instead of posterior when describing position of body parts

Answer 8

Dorsal

Question 9

Definition of medial

Answer 9

Medial – nearer to the midline or midsagittal plane

Question 10

Definition of lateral

Answer 10

Lateral – farther from the body midline or midsagittal plane

Question 11

Definition of proximal

Answer 11

Proximal – nearer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk; nearer to the point of origin

Question 12

Definition of distal

Answer 12

Distal – farther from the attachment of a limb to the trunk; far from the point of origin

Question 13

Definition of superficial

Answer 13

Superficial – toward or on the body surface

Question 14

Definition of deep

Answer 14

Deep – away from the surface of the body

Question 15

What are the 5 body planes?

Answer 15

1. Sagittal
2. Midsagittal
3. Parasagittal
4. Frontal/Coronal
5. Transverse

Question 16

Describe the sagittal plane

Answer 16

Vertical plane that divides the body or organ into right and left sides.

Question 17

Describe the midsagittal plane

Answer 17

Midsagittal plane runs through the midline

Question 18

Describe the parasagittal plane

Answer 18

Divides the body or organ into unequal right and left sides.

Question 19

Describe the frontal/corona plane

Answer 19

Divides the body or organ into anterior and posterior portions

Question 20

Describe the transverse plane

Answer 20

Divides the body into superior and inferior portions

Question 21

What are body cavities? and state the 4 types.

Answer 21

Spaces within the body that contain, protect, separate and support internal organs.

1. Cranial cavity
2. Vertebral cavity
3. Thoracic cavity
4. Abdominopelvic cavity

Question 22

Explain a cranial cavity

Answer 22

Formed by the cranial (skull) bones – contains the brain.

Question 23

Explain a vertebral canal

Answer 23

Formed from the bones of the vertebral column and contains the spinal cord.

Question 24

Explain a thoracic cavity

Answer 24

Thoracic cavity is the chest cavity which contains the heart, lungs associated blood vessels and respiratory organs.

Question 25

Explain an Abdominopelvic cavity

Answer 25

Abdominopelvic cavity extends from the diaphragm to the groin.

Question 26

What are the 9 abdominopelvic regions?

Answer 26

1. epigastric
2. right hypochondriac
3. left hypochondriac
4. umbilical
5. right lumbar
6. left lumbar
7. hypogastric
8. right iliac
9. left iliac

Question 27

What are the 4 Abdominopelvic quadrants?

Answer 27

1. right upper quadrant (RUQ)
2. left upper quadrant (LUQ)
3. right lower quadrant (RLQ)
4. left lower quadrant (LLQ)