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Anatomy & Physiology Unit 1 Key Terms

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Terms in this set (29)

  • Anatomy vs. Physiology
    Anatomy is the study of body structure; Physiology is the study of body function.
  • Anatomical Position
    Body standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides with palms facing forward.
  • Supine
    Body lying face up.
  • Prone
    Body lying face down.
  • Anterior
    Anterior means toward the front of the body.
  • Posterior
    Posterior means toward the back of the body.
  • Distal vs. Proximal
    Distal means farther from the point of attachment; Proximal means closer to the point of attachment.
  • Medial vs. Lateral
    Medial means toward the midline; Lateral means away from the midline.
  • Superficial vs. Deep
    Superficial means toward or on the surface; Deep means away from the surface, internal.
  • Superior vs. Inferior
    Superior means above; Inferior means below.
  • Ventral vs. Dorsal
    Ventral means toward the belly/front; Dorsal means toward the back.
  • Cranial/Cephalic vs. Caudal
    Cranial/Cephalic means toward the head; Caudal means toward the tail or lower part.
  • Frontal/Coronal Plane
    Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.
  • Midsagittal Plane
    Divides the body into equal left and right halves.
  • Parasagittal Plane
    Divides the body into unequal left and right parts.
  • Transverse Plane
    Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.
  • Levels of Organization
    Atom, molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism.
  • Dorsal Body Cavity
    Includes the cranial cavity and vertebral (spinal) cavity.
  • Ventral Body Cavity
    Includes thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
  • Pleura Membranes
    Serous membranes surrounding the lungs; include visceral and parietal layers.
  • Pericardium Membranes
    Serous membranes surrounding the heart; include visceral and parietal layers.
  • Greater Omentum
    A large fold of peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach and covers abdominal organs.
  • Cardiac Sphincter
    Opening between the esophagus and stomach.
  • Pyloric Sphincter
    Opening between the stomach and duodenum.
  • Small Intestine Sections
    Duodenum, jejunum, ileum in order.
  • Large Intestine Sections
    Cecum, ascending colon, hepatic flexure, transverse colon, splenic flexure, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum.
  • Thoracic Cavity Organs
    Heart, lungs, trachea, esophagus, larynx, bronchi, alveoli, diaphragm.
  • Kidneys Location
    Located on the dorsal lateral wall of the abdomen.
  • Diaphragm Function
    Dome-shaped muscle separating thoracic and abdominal cavities; aids in breathing.