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Human Body and Orientation Anatomy

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts.

  • What is physiology?

    Physiology is the study of how the body and its parts function.

  • What does the term 'anatomical position' mean?

    The anatomical position is the standard body position used as a reference: standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.

  • Define the term 'superior' in anatomical orientation.

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

  • Define the term 'inferior' in anatomical orientation.

    Inferior means away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure.

  • What does 'anterior' mean in anatomical terms?

    Anterior means toward the front of the body.

  • What does 'posterior' mean in anatomical terms?

    Posterior means toward the back of the body.

  • Define 'medial' in anatomical orientation.

    Medial means toward the midline of the body.

  • Define 'lateral' in anatomical orientation.

    Lateral means away from the midline of the body.

  • What does 'proximal' mean in anatomy?

    Proximal means closer to the origin of a body part or point of attachment.

  • What does 'distal' mean in anatomy?

    Distal means farther from the origin of a body part or point of attachment.

  • What is the sagittal plane?

    The sagittal plane divides the body into right and left parts.

  • What is the frontal (coronal) plane?

    The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

  • What is the transverse (horizontal) plane?

    The transverse plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

  • What is the dorsal body cavity?

    The dorsal cavity contains the brain and spinal cord.

  • What is the ventral body cavity?

    The ventral cavity contains the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

  • Name the two main subdivisions of the ventral body cavity.

    The thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity.

  • What is the function of serous membranes?

    Serous membranes line body cavities and cover organs to reduce friction.

  • What is the difference between the parietal and visceral serous membranes?

    Parietal membranes line cavity walls; visceral membranes cover organs.

  • What is homeostasis?

    Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.