Anatomy Flashcards
Human Anatomy
The study of the structure and location of different
components of the human body
- Gross Anatomy
- Microscopic Anatomy
Gross Anatomy
subdivided into surface anatomy (the external body), regional anatomy (specific regions of the body), and systemic anatomy (specific organ systems).
Microscopic Anatomy
Is subdivided into cytology (the study
of cells) and histology (the study of tissues).
Anatomical Position
- Standardize view the
body - Body standing upright
- Feet at shoulder width
and parallel, toes forward. - Upper limbs are held out
to each side - Palms of the hands face
forward - It reduces confusion: It
does not matter how the
body being described is
oriented, the terms are
used as if it is in
anatomical position
Body Planes (Of Human Body)
- Frontal/Coronal Plane: front and back
- Midsagittal/Median Plane: right and left
- Transverse Plane: upper and bottom
Anterior (or ventral)
Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body. The toes are anterior to the foot.
- Anterior skeleton (FRONT)
Posterior (or dorsal)
Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body. The popliteus is posterior to the patella.
- Posterior skeleton (BACK)
Superior (or cranial)
Describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper. The orbits are superior to the oris.
- Pelvis superior to legs
Inferior (or caudal)
Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column). The pelvis is inferior to the abdomen
- Legs inferior to pelvis
Lateral
Describes the side or direction toward the side of the body. The thumb (pollex) is lateral to the digits.
- Ears lateral to cheeks
Medial
Describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body. The hallux is the medial toe.
- Cheeks medial to ears
Proximal
Describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The
brachium is proximal to the antebrachium.
- Elbow proximal to hand
Distal
Describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The
crus is distal to the femur.
- Hand distal to elbow
Superficial
Describes a position closer to the surface of the body. The skin is superficial to the bones.
Deep
Describes a position farther from the surface of the body. The brain is deep to the skull.
Flexion and Extension (Movement)
- Action: Reduces / increases angle between joint
- Reference: Sagittal plane movement
- Example:Biceps curl
Abduction and Adduction (Movement)
- Action: Away / towards mid line
- Reference: Frontal plane movement
- Example: Jumping jacks
Pronation and Supination (Movement)
- Action: Palm faces posterior / anterior
- Reference: hand and forearm movement
- Example: Holing bowl of soup
Dorsi flexion and Plantar flexion (Movement)
- Action: Foot up / foot plants
- Reference: Sole foot movement
- Example: toe raise
Inversion and Eversion (Movement )
- Action: Sole moves in / out
- Reference: Sole foot movement
- Example: Rolling over ankle
Medial/internal rotation and Lateral/external rotation (Movement)
- Action: Flexed forearm moves in / out
- Reference: Longitudinal axis movement
- Example: opening / closing doors
Short (Bones)
- Function: Shock Absorbers
- Example: Carpals and Tarsals
Long (Bones)
- Function: Levers
- Example: Femur and Humerus
Flat (Bones)
- Function: Protect Organs
- Example: Skull, Scapula, and Ribs
Irregular (Bones)
- Function: Special Function
- Example: Facial bones and Vertebrae
Sesamoid (Bones)
- Function: Change pressure / friction
- Example: Patella