Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (Chapter 1)

• The number of digits in limbs is often used for classification in the vertebrates.
• Comparative vertebrate anatomy is the study of structure, function of structure, and range of variation in structure and function among vertebrates.
• Descriptive morphology is the study of the structure of vertebrates.
• Functional morphology is the study of the functional significance of structure, which includes development and evolution.
• Popliteal refers to the posterior portion of the knee joint.
• Patellar refers to the anterior portion of the knee.
• Pedal refers to the foot.
• Digital refers to toes.
• Plantar refers to the sole of the foot.
• Ontogenesis is the development of an individual organism or anatomical or behavioral feature from the earliest stage to maturity.
• Abdominopelvic refers to the abdominal and pelvic regions.
• Axillary refers to the armpits.
• Abdominal lies between the lowest ribs and the pelvis (hip bones).
• Cranial contains the brain.
• Dorsal refers to the posterior surface of the thorax.
• Vertebral refers to the region over the vertebral column or backbone.
• Cervical refers to the neck region.
• Abdominopelvic lies beneath the diaphragm and holds the organs of digestion (abdominal area) and the organs of reproduction and excretion (pelvic area).
• Facial refers to the face.
• Genital refers to the external reproductive organs.
• Quadrants provide a means of locating specific sites for descriptive and diagnostic purposes.
• Two anatomical methods are used to divide this area of the body for medical purposes: quadrants and regions.
• Pelvic is the region enclosed by the pelvic bones.
• Gluteal refers to the buttocks.
• Superficial refers to a location toward or at the body surface.
• Deep refers to a location away from the body surface; more internal.
• Distal refers to a location farther from the origin of the body part or the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
• Lumbar refers to the lower back region between the lowest ribs and the pelvis.
• Incision sites are also identified by using body quadrants as the method of location.
• Appendicular refers to the upper and lower extremities (arms and legs).
• Coxal refers to the hips.
• An imaginary cross passing through the navel identifies the four quadrants.
• Sternal refers to the region over the breastbone and between the two pectoral regions.
• Quadrants refer to the four divisions of the lower torso and are used to show topographical location.
• Sacral refers to the region over the sacrum and the buttocks.
• Perineal refers to the small region between the anus and external reproductive organs.
• Inguinal refers to the groin; depressed regions at the junction of the thighs to the anterior trunk.
• Pectoral refers to the chest region.
• Axial refers to the head, neck and trunk.
• Cephalic refers to the head (cranial and facial).