introduction Flashcards
What is anatomy?
The study of the structure and morphology (form) of the human body.
What is gross anatomy?
The study of large, visible structures revealed by dissection.
What is surface anatomy?
The use of palpable surface landmarks to locate internal structures.
What is histology?
The study of cells and tissues using a microscope.
Name the main anatomical structures.
Bones and cartilage (skeleton), muscles, arteries/veins (vascular structures), nerves, lymphatics, and viscera (e.g., heart).
Which system does the heart belong to?
The cardiovascular system.
Which system do the intestines belong to?
The gastrointestinal system.
Which system does the uterus belong to?
The reproductive system (genitourinary system).
What is regional anatomy?
The study of major parts or segments of the body (e.g., pelvis and perineum).
What separates the pelvis and perineum?
The pelvic diaphragm.
What is systemic anatomy?
The study of organ systems such as the skeletal, nervous, and cardiovascular systems.
Describe the anatomical position.
Body erect, head upright with eyes facing forward, arms at sides with palms facing forward, feet together, toes pointing forward.
Name the four anatomical planes.
Median, sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes.
What is the median plane?
The plane dividing the body into equal right and left halves.
What is the coronal plane?
The plane dividing the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.
What is the transverse plane?
The plane dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.
What does ‘superior’ mean?
Toward the crown of the head.
What does ‘inferior’ mean?
Toward the sole of the foot.
What does ‘anterior’ mean?
Toward the front of the body.
What does ‘posterior’ mean?
Toward the back of the body.
What does ‘medial’ mean?
Toward the midline of the body.
What does ‘lateral’ mean?
Away from the midline of the body.
What does ‘proximal’ mean?
Toward the centre of the body or point of origin.
What does ‘distal’ mean?
Away from the centre of the body or point of origin.
