Anatomy and Physiology

• Extension is straightening a joint to increase the angle, occurring in the sagittal plane
• Abduction is movement away from the median plane, occurring in the frontal (coronal) plane
• Adduction is movement towards the median plane
• Internal rotation of a limb moves its anterior surface medially
• External rotation is the opposite of internal rotation
• Circumduction is a circular motion combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction
• Supination is the lateral rotation of the hand and forearm so the palm faces forward
• Pronation is the medial rotation of the hand and forearm so the palm faces backward
• Protraction is moving in an anterior (forward) direction
• Retraction is moving in a posterior (backward) direction
• Dorsiflexion is movement of the ankle in the sagittal plane that decreases the angle between the foot and the lower leg
• Plantar flexion is movement of the ankle in the sagittal plane that increases the angle between the foot and the lower leg
• Inversion occurs when the medial border of the foot is raised, turning the sole of the foot inward
• Eversion occurs when the lateral border of the foot is raised, turning the sole of the foot outward
• Elevation involves raising up to a more superior position
• Depression is the opposite action to elevation, pulling down to a more inferior position
• Opposition occurs when the thumb comes into contact with one of the other fingers
• Reposition occurs when the thumb is returned back to the anatomical position
• Anterior refers to the front surfaces of the body, whereas posterior refers to the back surfaces
• For example, the sternum is anterior to the heart
• Superior refers to upward surfaces, whereas inferior refers to downward surfaces
• Medial means towards the midline or towards the median plane, whereas lateral means away from the midline or away from the median plane
• Proximal means towards the point of attachment of the limb to the body, whereas distal means farther away from the point of attachment
• Plantar means on or towards the sole of the foot, whereas dorsum refers to the uppermost surface of the foot
• Superficial means on, or close to, the surface of the body, whereas deep means farther away from the surface of the body
• Dysmorphic: an abnormality in the shape or size of a body part
• Effusion: the escape of fluid into a body cavity
• Biopsy: a medical test that involves the removal of tissue in order to examine it
• Contracture: a shortening of a muscle due to scars or spasm
• Palpation: examination of the body by pressing to feel the organs underneath
• Debridement: surgical removal of dead tissue from a wound
• Percussion:

  • Tapping on a surface to test what is underneath
• Auscultation: listening using a stethoscope
• Diathermy: a procedure to heat up and destroy body tissue