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Anatomy & Physiology: Intro to Anatomy and Terminology

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  • Anatomical position

    The standard reference position in anatomy where the body is standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward.

  • Superior (Cranial)

    Directional term meaning toward the head or upper part of a structure.

  • Inferior (Caudal)

    Directional term meaning away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure.

  • Proximal

    Closer to the point of attachment or origin of a limb or structure.

  • Distal

    Farther from the point of attachment or origin of a limb or structure.

  • Medial

    Toward the midline of the body.

  • Lateral

    Away from the midline of the body.

  • Superficial

    Closer to or on the surface of the body.

  • Deep

    Farther away from the surface of the body.

  • Anterior (Ventral)

    Toward the front of the body.

  • Posterior (Dorsal)

    Toward the back of the body.

  • Right upper quadrant

    One of the four abdominal quadrants; contains parts of the liver, gallbladder, and right kidney.

  • Left upper quadrant

    One of the four abdominal quadrants; contains the stomach, spleen, and parts of the pancreas.

  • Right lower quadrant

    One of the four abdominal quadrants; contains the appendix and parts of the intestines.

  • Left lower quadrant

    One of the four abdominal quadrants; contains parts of the intestines and reproductive organs.

  • Dorsal body cavity

    Body cavity that includes the cranial cavity and spinal cavity, protecting the brain and spinal cord.

  • Ventral body cavity

    Body cavity that includes the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities, housing organs like the heart, lungs, and digestive organs.

  • Serous membranes

    Thin membranes lining body cavities and covering organs; include parietal (lining cavity) and visceral (covering organs) layers with serous fluid between.

  • Sagittal plane

    An anatomical plane dividing the body into left and right parts.

  • Frontal (coronal) plane

    An anatomical plane dividing the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

  • Transverse (horizontal) plane

    An anatomical plane dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

  • Integumentary system

    Organ system including skin, hair, and nails; protects the body and regulates temperature.

  • Skeletal system

    Organ system providing support, protection, and movement; consists of bones and joints.

  • Muscular system

    Organ system responsible for movement, posture, and heat production through muscle contraction.

  • Nervous system

    Organ system that controls body activities with electrical signals; includes brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

  • Endocrine system

    Organ system that regulates body functions through hormones secreted by glands.

  • Cardiovascular system

    Organ system that circulates blood, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing waste.

  • Lymphatic system

    Organ system involved in immune defense and fluid balance; includes lymph nodes and vessels.

  • Respiratory system

    Organ system responsible for gas exchange; includes lungs and airways.

  • Digestive system

    Organ system that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients; includes stomach and intestines.

  • Renal (urinary) system

    Organ system that removes waste from blood and regulates water balance; includes kidneys and bladder.

  • Reproductive system

    Organ system responsible for producing offspring; includes male and female reproductive organs.