Anatomical Directional Terms Quiz

Anatomical Directional Terms

• Ipsilateral refers to the same side of the body. For example, the right arm is ipsilateral to the right leg.
• Contralateral refers to the opposite side of the body. For example, the right arm is contralateral to the left leg.
• Central describes the location at or near the center of the body, while peripheral refers to structures that are away from the center.
• Palmar side refers to the front or palm-side of the hand.
• Dorsal side refers to the back of the hand.
• Dorsum of the foot refers to the area facing upwards when standing, while the plantar side refers to the area facing downwards when standing.
• Supine describes a body position lying on the back.
• Prone describes a body position lying face downward.

Movement Terms

• Extension refers to increasing the angle between two bones, resulting in a straighter angle. This is considered the anatomical position.
• Hyperextension refers to an excessive extension of a joint beyond the anatomical position.
• Abduction describes moving a body part away from the midline of the body.
• Adduction describes moving a body part towards the midline of the body.
• Supination describes the rotation of the hand with the palm facing upwards or forwards.
• Pronation describes the rotation of the hand with the palm facing downwards.
• Retraction describes a movement of a body part backwards.
• Protraction describes a movement of a body part forwards.
• External (lateral) rotation describes a rotation of a joint away from the midline of the body, with the anterior surface facing laterally.
• Internal (medial) rotation describes a rotation of a joint towards the midline of the body, with the anterior surface facing medially.
• Circumduction refers to a sequence of movements including flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction. This is common in the shoulder joint.
• Dorsiflexion describes the extension of the foot, with the movement of the foot towards the dorsum.
• Planter flexion describes the bending of the sole of the foot towards the ground (toes pointing downwards).
• Opposition brings the tip of the thumb and the fingers together.
• Reposition moves the thumb and other fingers away from each other after opposition.

The Importance of Anatomy

• Anatomy is the science that deals with the structures of all parts of the body, their function, and their microscopical organization.
• The word anatomy is derived from the Greek word 'anatomē', which means " to dissect" or "cut up."
• The primary techniques used to learn anatomy are observation and visualization.
• Anatomy involves much more than just memorizing lists of names.

Types of Anatomy

• Gross anatomy involves the study of structures that can be seen with the naked eye, such as external and internal body organs.
• Surface anatomy focuses on the study of external anatomical features without dissection, relating them to internal structures.
• Regional anatomy studies all structures in a specific body area, such as the chest or abdomen, exploring their relations to each other.
• Systemic anatomy examines structures that work together to perform a unique body function.
• Microscopic anatomy, also known as histology, examines the smallest structures of the body that are not visible to the naked eye and requires the use of a microscope.
• Neuroanatomy studies the relationship between structure and function in the nervous system, encompassing both macroscopic and microscopic structures.
• Developmental anatomy studies the structural changes of an individual from fertilization to adulthood, including embryology and postnatal development.
• Pathological anatomy deals with morphological changes in tissues, both gross and microscopic, in the context of disease.
• Radiological anatomy involves the study of body structures through radiography and other imaging methods like ultrasound, CT, and MRI.
• Comparative anatomy examines the body structures of different species of animals.
• Clinical anatomy applies anatomical knowledge to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Anatomical Planes and Sections

• Anatomical planes are imaginary lines used to divide the body vertically or horizontally into sections.
• Sagittal plane divides the body into right and left parts, with the mid-sagittal or median plane dividing the body into two equal halves, and the para-sagittal plane dividing the body into unequal parts.
• Frontal (coronal) plane divides the body or an organ into anterior (front) and posterior (rear) portions.
• Transverse plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.

Anatomical Position

• The anatomical position is a standardized standing position with the head facing forward, arms to the side, palms facing forward, fingers extended, thumbs pointing away from the body, and feet slightly apart with toes forward.

Anatomical Terminology

• Anterior or ventral describes the front or direction toward the front of the body.
• Posterior or dorsal describes the back or direction toward the back of the body.
• Medial describes a position towards the midline of the body.
• Lateral describes a position away from the midline of the body.
• Proximal describes a position closer to the point of origin or trunk of the body.
• Distal describes a position farther away from the point of origin or trunk of the body.
• Superior or cranial describes a position above another structure, towards the head.
• Inferior or caudal describes a position below another structure, towards the tailbone.
• Superficial or external describes a position closer to the body surface.
• Deep or internal describes a position farther from the body surface.