Unit 1 — Basic Anatomical Terminology and Organization Flashcards

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Anatomical position

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The standard reference position in anatomy where the body is standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing anteriorly. It is used to describe locations and movements consistently.

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Supine

Back

A body position where a person is lying face up with the anterior surface facing upward. Supine is often used in medical examinations and procedures.

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Prone

Back

A body position where a person is lying face down with the posterior surface facing upward. Prone is commonly referenced in positioning for certain treatments or imaging.

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Midsagittal plane

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A vertical plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves. It is also called the median sagittal plane and is used to describe symmetrical structures.

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Parasagittal plane

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Any vertical plane parallel to the midsagittal plane that divides the body into unequal left and right parts. It is useful for describing asymmetrical locations.

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Frontal (coronal) plane

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A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions. It is commonly used to view relationships between structures in the front and back of the body.

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Transverse plane

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A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts. Also called a cross-section, it is frequently used in imaging like CT scans.

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Anterior (ventral)

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A directional term meaning toward the front of the body or nearer to the front surface. It is the opposite of posterior (dorsal).

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Posterior (dorsal)

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A directional term meaning toward the back of the body or nearer to the back surface. It contrasts with anterior (ventral).

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Medial

Back

A directional term meaning toward the midline of the body. Structures closer to the midline are described as medial.

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Lateral

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A directional term meaning away from the midline of the body. Structures farther from the midline are described as lateral.

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Proximal

Back

A directional term used with limbs that means closer to the point of attachment or trunk of the body. It is the opposite of distal.

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Distal

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A directional term used with limbs that means farther from the point of attachment or trunk of the body. It contrasts with proximal.

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Superficial

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A directional term meaning nearer to the surface of the body. It describes structures on or near the outer layers of the body.

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Deep

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A directional term meaning farther from the surface of the body. Deep structures lie beneath more superficial layers.

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Pleura

Back

The serous membrane associated with the lungs and pleural cavities. It has a parietal layer lining the cavity and a visceral layer covering each lung, and it secretes fluid to reduce friction.

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Pericardium

Back

The serous membrane surrounding the heart within the pericardial cavity. It includes a parietal layer lining the cavity and a visceral layer (epicardium) covering the heart to reduce friction during heart movement.

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Peritoneum

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The serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity and covering many abdominal organs. It forms structures like mesenteries and secretes fluid to allow organs to glide smoothly.

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Mediastinum

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The central compartment of the thoracic cavity between the pleural sacs. It contains the heart, major blood vessels, trachea, esophagus, and other structures.

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Retroperitoneal space

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The anatomical space posterior to the peritoneal cavity and anterior to the posterior abdominal wall. Organs in this space include the kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas (mostly), and parts of the aorta and inferior vena cava.

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Epithelial tissue

Back

Tissue that covers body surfaces and lines cavities and organs. It provides protection, absorption, secretion, and sensation.

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Connective tissue

Back

A diverse tissue type that supports, connects, and protects other tissues and organs. Examples include bone, blood, adipose tissue, and cartilage.