Body Organization and Directional Terms Flashcards
Introduces anatomical position, body planes, directional terms, structural organization, and body cavities. (94 cards)
Define:
Anatomical Position
The standard position of the body used as a reference in anatomy, where the body is upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.
In the anatomical position, the doctor can accurately describe the location of injuries and conditions.
Define:
Supine
A body position where a person is lying flat on their back with their face and chest facing upward.
The patient was positioned supine on the examination table for the abdominal ultrasound.
Define:
Prone
A body position where a person is lying flat on their stomach with their face and chest facing downward.
The therapist instructed him to lie prone for the back massage.
Define:
Fowler’s Position
A seated position where the patient is inclined at an angle, typically between 45 to 60 degrees, often used to facilitate breathing.
The nurse adjusted the bed to Fowler’s position to help the patient breathe easier.
Define:
Semi-Fowler’s Position
A semi-reclined position where the patient is sitting at an angle of about 30 to 45 degrees, often used to enhance comfort and promote respiratory function.
The doctor recommended the semi-Fowler’s position for the patient recovering from surgery.
Define:
Lithotomy Position
A position where a patient lies on their back with legs raised and supported in stirrups, typically used for gynecological or urological examinations.
During the procedure, the patient was placed in the lithotomy position for optimal access.
Define:
Trendelenburg Position
A position in which a patient is lying on their back with the legs elevated higher than the head, often used in emergencies to increase blood flow to vital organs.
The nurse placed the patient in the Trendelenburg position to help improve circulation after the fall.
Define:
Sims’ Position
A position where a patient lies on their left side with the right knee and thigh drawn up towards the chest, commonly used for rectal examinations and procedures.
The doctor examined the patient while they were in the Sims’ position to facilitate the procedure.
Define:
Recumbent Position
A general term for a position in which a person is lying down, which can refer to either the supine or prone positions.
The patient remained in a recumbent position during the entire duration of the monitoring.
Define:
Oblique Position
A position in which a person is lying at an angle, neither completely on their back nor on their stomach, often used for specific medical imaging.
The technician adjusted the patient to an oblique position to capture the required images.
Define:
Sagittal Plane
A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left parts, which can be equal (midsagittal) or unequal (parasagittal).
The surgeon planned the incision along the sagittal plane to ensure symmetry.
Define:
Midsagittal (Median) Plane
A specific sagittal plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves.
The anatomical model was cut along the midsagittal plane to display the internal organs.
Define:
Parasagittal Plane
Any sagittal plane that is not in the midline and divides the body into unequal right and left parts.
The imaging study required views from the parasagittal plane to assess the condition accurately.
Define:
Frontal Plane (Coronal Plane)
A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
The X-ray was taken in the frontal plane to evaluate the chest structure.
Define:
Transverse Plane (Horizontal Plane)
A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.
The CT scan slices were made along the transverse plane for detailed cross-sectional images.
Define:
Cross-sectional Plane
A plane that cuts through the body or an organ, typically used in imaging techniques to visualize internal structures.
The cross-sectional plane images revealed the extent of the tumor.
Define:
Oblique Plane
A plane that passes through the body at an angle, used for specific imaging views that are not aligned with the standard planes.
The radiologist requested an oblique plane view to better visualize the joint.
Define:
Longitudinal Plane
A plane that runs the length of the body, used in anatomical studies and imaging to observe structures along the body’s axis.
The dissection was performed along the longitudinal plane to study the muscle fibers.
Define:
Axial Plane
Another term for the transverse plane, referring to the horizontal plane that divides the body into upper and lower parts.
The MRI was taken in the axial plane to assess the brain’s structure.
Define:
Cardinal Plane
The three primary anatomical planes (sagittal, frontal, and transverse) used to describe the orientation of the body in space.
Understanding the cardinal planes is essential for interpreting anatomical relationships.
Define:
Superior (Cranial)
Referring to a position above or higher than another part of the body; toward the head.
The heart is located superior to the diaphragm.
Define:
Inferior (Caudal)
Referring to a position below or lower than another part of the body; toward the feet.
The stomach is situated inferior to the lungs.
Define:
Anterior (Ventral)
Referring to the front or forward part of the body.
The chest is located anterior to the spine.
Define:
Posterior (Dorsal)
Referring to the back part of the body.
The kidneys are positioned posterior to the abdominal cavity.