Topic 1 - Introduction to Anatomy Flashcards
What is the anatomical position?
Looking forward, Standing upright, Palms forwards, Feet pointing forwards
What is the anterior view?
This applies to structure being more in front of other structures in the body
What is the posterior view?
This applies to structures being further back than other structures in the body
What do planes allow us to study?
Cross sectional anatomy
How do we interpret cross sectional images?
Standing at the patient feet and looking up to the head
What is the sagittal plane ?
Vertical place which divides the body into left and right portions
What is the median place?
The plane which divides the body into two equal parts
What is the coronal place?
The plane which divides the body into anterior and posterior sections
What does superior mean? Example?
Nearer to the head
The heart is superior to the stomach
What does inferior mean?
Example?
Nearer to the feet
Stomach is inferior to the heart
What does anterior mean?
Example?
Nearer to the front
Breastbone (sternum) is anterior to the heart
What is another word for anterior?
Ventral
What does posterior mean?
Example?
Nearer to the back
Brain is posterior to nose
What is another word for posterior?
Dorsal
What does medial mean?
Example?
Nearer the median plane Fifth digit (little finger) is on the medial side of the hand
What does lateral mean?
Example?
Farther from the median plane First digit (thumb) is on the lateral side of the hand
What does proximal mean?
Example?
Nearer the trunk of point of origin (e.g. of a limb)
Elbow is proximal to the wrist and the proximal part of an artery is its beginning
What does distal mean?
Example?
Farther from the trunk or point of origin (e.g. of a limb)
Wrist is distal to the elbow and distal part of lower limb is the foot
What does superficial mean?
Example?
Nearer to or on the surface
Muscles of the arm are superficial to its bone (humerus)
What does deep mean?
Example?
Farther from the surface
Humerus is deep to the arm muscles
What does dorsum mean?
Example?
Dorsal surface part of hand or foot
Veins are visible in the dorsum of the hand
What does palm mean?
Example?
Palmer surface of the hand
Skin creases are visible on the palm
What does sole mean?
Example?
Plantar surface of the foot
Skin is thick on the sole of the foot
What does surface anatomy allow us to do?
It allows us to visualise the locations of anatomical structures in the body rather than as isolated systems