Anatomical Terminology

• What are the body axes, and what do they represent?

  The body axes are imaginary lines used to describe the orientation of the body in space. There are three primary axes:

  1. Vertical (Longitudinal) Axis
  2. Sagittal Axis
  3. Transverse Axis
• What is the Vertical (Longitudinal) Axis?

  Runs from head to toe, dividing the body into superior and inferior parts. It is perpendicular to the transverse plane.

  Movement: Abduction and Adduction
• What is the Sagittal Axis?

  Runs from front to back, dividing the body into left and right parts. It is perpendicular to the coronal plane.

  Movement: Flexion and Extension
• What is the Transverse Axis?

  Runs from side to side, dividing the body into front and back parts. It is perpendicular to the sagittal plane.

  Movement: Rotation, Pronation, Supination
• What are the three main planes of the body, and how do they divide the body? The three primary planes of the body are:

  1. Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right halves. The mid-sagittal (or median) plane divides the body exactly in half, while parasagittal planes run parallel to it.
  2. Coronal (Frontal) Plane: Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) parts.
  3. Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) parts.
• Why are the planes of the body important? They help describe the location and movement of body parts.
• "What does the term 'superior' refer to in anatomical terminology?" 'Superior' refers to a position that is higher or toward the head. For example, the head is superior to the neck."
• "What does the term ""inferior"" refer to in anatomical terminology?" """Inferior"" refers to a position that is lower or toward the feet. For example, the stomach is inferior to the lungs."
• "What does the term ""anterior"" refer to in anatomical terminology?" """Anterior"" refers to the front of the body or a position that is closer to the front. For example, the chest is anterior to the spine."
• "What does the term ""posterior"" refer to in anatomical terminology?" """Posterior"" refers to the back of the body or a position that is closer to the back. For example, the spine is posterior to the chest."
• "What does the term ""medial"" refer to in anatomical terminology?" """Medial"" refers to a position closer to the midline of the body. For example, the nose is medial to the eyes."
• "What does the term ""lateral"" refer to in anatomical terminology?" """Lateral"" refers to a position farther away from the midline of the body. For example, the arms are lateral to the chest."
• "What does the term ""proximal"" refer to in anatomical terminology?" """Proximal"" refers to a position closer to the point of attachment or the origin of a structure. For example, the shoulder is proximal to the wrist."
• "What does the term ""distal"" refer to in anatomical terminology?" """Distal"" refers to a position farther away from the point of attachment or the origin of a structure. For example, the fingers are distal to the elbow."
• "What does the term ""superficial"" refer to in anatomical terminology?" """Superficial"" refers to a position closer to or at the surface of the body. For example, the skin is superficial to the muscles."
• "What does the term ""deep"" refer to in anatomical terminology?" """Deep"" refers to a position farther from the surface of the body. For example, the bones are deep to the muscles."
• "What is the difference between ""contralateral"" and ""ipsilateral"" in anatomical terminology?"

  • Contralateral refers to structures that are on opposite sides of the body. For example, the right hand is contralateral to the left hand.
  • Ipsilateral refers to structures that are on the same side of the body. For example, the right arm is ipsilateral to the right leg
• What is the significance of the anatomical position when describing movements? Serves as a reference for describing movements. It allows for clear, consistent terms to describe actions such as flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, with all directions (superior, inferior, anterior, posterior) based on this standard position.
• "Define ""flexion"" and ""extension"" in relation to anatomical terminology"

  • Flexion refers to the bending of a joint, decreasing the angle between two body parts. For example, bending the elbow.
  • Extension refers to the straightening of a joint, increasing the angle between two body parts. For example, straightening the elbow.
• "What does ""abduction"" and ""adduction"" mean in anatomical terminology?"

  • Abduction refers to the movement of a body part away from the midline of the body. For example, raising the arms to the side.
  • Adduction refers to the movement of a body part toward the midline of the body. For example, lowering the arms back to the sides.
• "What is ""rotation"" in anatomical terms?" """Rotation"" refers to the turning of a body part around its long axis. For example, rotating the head from side to side or rotating the arm at the shoulder joint."
• What is the 'anatomical position'? The anatomical position (standard reference position used to describe the location and relationship of body parts) is when the body is standing upright, facing forward, with feet apart, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward.
• "What is the definition of ""anatomy""?" Anatomy is the branch of biology that focuses on the structure of organisms and their parts. It involves the study of the physical structure and organisation of the body, which includes organs, tissues, and cells.
• What are the main approaches to studying anatomy? Regional Anatomy: Studying the body by regions (e.g., head, neck, abdomen).

  • Systemic Anatomy: Studying the body by organ systems (e.g., digestive system, nervous system).
  • Surface Anatomy: Studying external body features to understand underlying structures.
  • Developmental Anatomy: Studying anatomical changes throughout the lifespan, from embryo to adult.Clinical Anatomy: Applying anatomical knowledge in clinical settings for diagnosis and treatment.What are the main approaches to studying anatomy?
• What are the four major tissue types in the human body?

  • Epithelial Tissue: Covers body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands.
  • Connective Tissue: Supports and connects other tissues, including bones, blood, and fat.
  • Muscle Tissue: Responsible for movement, including skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.
  • Nervous Tissue: Transmits electrical signals throughout the body, found in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
• What is the structure and function of the skin? The skin is the body's outermost protective layer, composed of two main layers:

  1. Epidermis: The outer, protective layer made of stratified squamous epithelial cells. It provides a barrier to pathogens and regulates water loss.
  2. Dermis: Beneath the epidermis, it contains connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles. It supports the epidermis and houses structures like sweat glands and sebaceous glands.
• What is the function of fat tissue (adipose tissue)? Fat tissue, or adipose tissue, stores energy in the form of fat, insulates the body, and protects organs by acting as a cushion. It also plays a role in hormone production, particularly in the regulation of metabolism and appetite.
• What is the structure and function of arteries? Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body’s tissues. They have thick, muscular walls to withstand high-pressure blood flow. The innermost layer is the endothelium, surrounded by smooth muscle and elastic tissue to help maintain blood pressure.
• What is the structure and function of veins? Veins are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. They have thinner walls compared to arteries and contain valves to prevent backflow of blood. The lower pressure in veins is assisted by skeletal muscle contractions and respiratory movements.
• What are the main components and function of nerves? Nerves are bundles of axons (nerve fibres) that transmit electrical impulses throughout the body. They consist of neurons, which are specialiesd for communication, and supporting cells (e.g., Schwann cells) that aid in nerve function and repair. Nerves are essential for sensory input, motor control, and communication between different body parts.
• What is the structure and function of skeletal muscle? Skeletal muscle is composed of long, multinucleated fibers that contract to produce voluntary movement. These muscles are attached to bones by tendons and are involved in activities such as walking, lifting, and maintaining posture. They are controlled by the somatic nervous system.
• What is the structure and function of a tendon? A tendon is a dense connective tissue structure that attaches muscle to bone. Tendons are composed primarily of collagen fibers, which provide tensile strength to withstand the forces generated during muscle contraction. Tendons help in the transfer of force from muscle to bone for movement.
• What is the difference between histology and gross anatomy? Histology is the study of tissues at the microscopic level, examining cells and their organization within tissues. Gross anatomy is the study of body structures visible to the naked eye, such as organs, muscles, bones, and blood vessels.
• What are the major organs located in the thoracic cavity?

  • Heart (within the pericardial cavity)
  • Lungs (within the pleural cavities)
  • Trachea
  • Oesophagus (passes through the thoracic cavity)
  • Thymus (primarily in children)
  • Great vessels (Aorta, Superior & Inferior Vena Cava, Pulmonary arteries & veins)
• What are the major organs located in the abdominal cavity?

  • Stomach
  • Liver
  • Gallbladder
  • Pancreas
  • Small intestine (Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum)
  • Large intestine (Cecum, Colon, Rectum)
  • Spleen
  • Kidneys & Adrenal glands
• What are the major organs located in the pelvic cavity?

  • Urinary Bladder
  • Urethra
  • Rectum
  • Reproductive organs (Uterus, Ovaries, Vagina in females; Prostate, Seminal Vesicles in males)
• What are the major body regions, and what areas do they refer to?

  • Cephalic – Head
  • Cervical – Neck
  • Thoracic – Chest
  • Abdominal – Abdomen
  • Pelvic – Pelvis
  • Brachial – Arm
  • Antebrachial – Forearm
  • Carpal – Wrist
  • Femoral – Thigh
  • Crural – Leg (lower limb)
  • Tarsal – Ankle
• What are the four quadrants of the abdomen, and which organs are found in each?

  • Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ): Liver, Gallbladder, Right kidney, Duodenum
  • Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ): Stomach, Spleen, Left kidney, PancreasRight
  • Lower Quadrant (RLQ): Cecum, Appendix, Right ovary (females)
  • Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ): Sigmoid colon, Left ovary (females)
• What are the nine regions of the abdomen, and what are their boundaries?

  • Right Hypochondriac – Liver, Gallbladder
  • Epigastric – Stomach, Pancreas
  • Left Hypochondriac – Spleen, Stomach
  • Right Lumbar – Right kidney, Ascending colon
  • Umbilical – Small intestine, Transverse colon
  • Left Lumbar – Left kidney, Descending colon
  • Right Iliac (Inguinal) – Cecum, Appendix
  • Hypogastric (Pubic) – Urinary bladder, Uterus
  • Left Iliac (Inguinal) – Sigmoid colon
• What are the three types of serous membranes, and what cavities do they line?

  • Pleura – Surrounds the lungs (Parietal pleura lines the cavity, Visceral pleura covers the lung)
  • Pericardium – Surrounds the heart (Parietal pericardium lines the cavity, Visceral pericardium covers the heart)
  • Peritoneum – Lines the abdominal cavity (Parietal peritoneum lines the cavity, Visceral peritoneum covers the organs)