Basic Anatomy Flashcards
(75 cards)
Basic Language of Anatomy: Anatomical Position
Universal reference position: Standing upright, feet slightly apart, arms at sides, palms forward. Used to define directions (superior/inferior, anterior/posterior, etc.) // Visual: ‘Palms Forward to Face the Future.’
Orientation: Superior / Inferior
Superior = Above; Inferior = Below. E.g., head is superior to chest, ankles inferior to knees. // ‘Superior is super high; inferior is down low.’
Orientation: Anterior / Posterior
Anterior = Front; Posterior = Back. E.g., chest is anterior, shoulder blades are posterior. // ‘A is Ahead, P is Past your back.’
Orientation: Medial / Lateral
Medial = toward midline; Lateral = away from midline. E.g., sternum is medial, arms are lateral. // ‘Median = center line.’
Orientation: Proximal / Distal
Proximal = closer to limb’s origin/trunk; Distal = farther away. E.g., elbow is proximal to wrist. // ‘Proximity is close, distance is far.’
Planes of Motion: Sagittal
Divides body left/right. Movements: flexion, extension (squats, bicep curls). // ‘Sagitta’ = arrow shot front-to-back.
Planes of Motion: Frontal (Coronal)
Divides body front/back. Movements: abduction, adduction (jumping jacks, side bends). // ‘Frontal’ = front/back separation.
Planes of Motion: Transverse
Divides body top/bottom. Movements: rotation (torso twist). // Picture a ‘tabletop’ slicing you horizontally.
Movement Terms: Flexion / Extension
Flexion = decreasing joint angle; Extension = increasing angle. E.g., bending vs. straightening elbow. // ‘Flex = fold; Extend = elongate.’
Movement Terms: Abduction / Adduction
Abduction = away from midline, Adduction = toward midline. E.g., lateral leg lifts vs. crossing legs in. // ‘Abduct = take away; Adduct = add to center.’
Scapular Movements: Elevation / Depression
Scapula lifts toward ears or lowers away. // ‘Shoulders up = elevation, down = depression.’
Scapular Movements: Protraction / Retraction
Scapula moves forward (away from spine) or backward (toward spine). // ‘Pro = forward, Re = back.’
Connective Tissue: Fascia
Web-like network of collagen & fluid covering muscles & organs; crucial for force transmission & proprioception. Movement & hydration keep it healthy. // ‘Full-body spiderweb— keep it moving & hydrated.’
Connective Tissue: Ligaments
Dense fibrous bands connecting bone to bone, stabilizing joints. Mostly non-elastic except in the spine. // ‘Ligaments Link bones.’
Connective Tissue: Tendons
Connect muscle to bone; transmit muscular force to the skeleton. // ‘Tendons Tie muscle to bone.’
Connective Tissue: Cartilage
Firm yet flexible tissue at joints (e.g., knee menisci, hip & shoulder labrum). Reduces friction & absorbs shock, but limited self-repair. // ‘Like a cushion or shock absorber in joints.’
Synovial Joints
Freely movable joints with fluid-filled capsule (e.g., knee, shoulder, hip). Allow varied movement ranges. // ‘Synovial fluid = slippery lubrication for movement.’
Muscle Contraction: Concentric
Muscle shortens under tension (‘positive’ phase). E.g., lifting a weight with biceps. // ‘Concentric = coming closer together.’
Muscle Contraction: Eccentric
Muscle lengthens under tension (‘negative’ phase). Stronger load-bearing, micro-tears help build strength. E.g., lowering a squat. // ‘Eccentric = extend while contracting.’
Muscle Contraction: Isometric
Muscle tension without change in length (e.g., plank hold). Builds endurance/stability. // ‘Iso = same, metric = length.’
Slow-Twitch vs. Fast-Twitch Fibers
Slow-twitch = endurance (stabilizers), fast-twitch = higher force but quicker fatigue (prime movers). // ‘Slow = stamina, fast = forceful power.’
Lactate vs. ‘Lactic Acid’
Lactate is produced to buffer acidity during intense exercise; ‘lactic acid’ is often a misnomer. Lactate clears within ~24 hrs. // ‘Lactate is your friend, not the burn culprit.’
DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
Soreness 24–72 hrs post-workout due to micro-tears & repair. Gentle movement & hydration help. // ‘Day-After Muscle Stiffness— normal repair process.’
Healthy Resting Length (Muscle)
The optimal muscle length for full concentric & eccentric range. Chronically tight muscles lose force potential. // ‘Goldilocks length: not too tight, not overstretched.’
