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Anatomy & Physiology: Directional Terms, Body Regions, Histology, and Skin Anatomy

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the main directional terms used in anatomy?

    Superior (above), Inferior (below), Anterior (front), Posterior (back), Medial (toward midline), Lateral (away from midline), Proximal (nearer to trunk), and Distal (farther from trunk).

  • Define the term 'superior' in anatomical context.

    Superior means toward the head or upper part of a structure or the body; above.

  • What does 'anterior' mean in anatomy?

    Anterior refers to the front or forward part of the body.

  • List the major body regions relevant to anatomy.

    Head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, back, upper limbs, and lower limbs.

  • What is histology?

    Histology is the study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

  • Name the four basic tissue types studied in histology.

    Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, and Nervous tissues.

  • What are the main functions of epithelial tissue?

    Protection, absorption, filtration, excretion, secretion, and sensory reception.

  • Describe connective tissue in brief.

    Connective tissue supports, binds, and protects organs; it includes bone, cartilage, blood, and fat.

  • What are the three layers of the skin?

    Epidermis (outer layer), Dermis (middle layer), and Hypodermis (subcutaneous layer).

  • What is the primary function of the epidermis?

    The epidermis provides a waterproof barrier and creates skin tone.

  • What structures are found in the dermis?

    The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands.

  • What is the role of the hypodermis?

    The hypodermis stores fat and provides insulation and cushioning.

  • Define 'proximal' and 'distal' with an example.

    Proximal means closer to the point of attachment; distal means farther away. Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist.

  • What is the anatomical position?

    Body standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides with palms facing forward, and feet flat on the floor.

  • What is the difference between medial and lateral?

    Medial means toward the midline; Lateral means away from the midline of the body.

  • Name the types of epithelial tissue based on cell shape.

    Squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube-shaped), and columnar (tall, column-shaped).

  • What is the function of melanocytes in the skin?

    Melanocytes produce melanin, which gives skin its pigment and protects against UV radiation.

  • What is the significance of the stratum corneum?

    The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead cells that provide a tough protective layer.

  • How does connective tissue differ from epithelial tissue?

    Connective tissue supports and connects other tissues; epithelial tissue covers surfaces and lines cavities.

  • What is the role of keratin in the skin?

    Keratin is a protein that strengthens the skin and makes it waterproof.