Anatomical Terminology Flashcards

Anatomical Terminology Overview

• Superior: Indicates a position above another part, or closer to the head.
• Inferior: Describes a part located below another or toward the feet.
• Anterior: Refers to the front of the body; also known as ventral.
• Posterior: Opposite of anterior; denotes the back of the body; also referred to as dorsal.

Directional Terms

• Medial: Relates to an imaginary midline that divides the body into equal right and left halves.
• Lateral: Describes a position toward the side relative to the midline.
• Ipsilateral: Pertains to structures on the same side of the body.
• Contralateral: Refers to structures on opposite sides of the body.

Proximity and Surface Terms

• Proximal: Indicates a part that is closer to the trunk or a specified reference point.
• Distal: Opposite of proximal; indicates a part that is farther from the trunk or a specified reference point.
• Superficial: Refers to parts situated near the surface of the body.
• Peripheral: Describes locations that are outward or near the surface; often used for blood vessels and nerves.
• Deep: Indicates parts that are more internal within the body.

Plane of Section Terms

• Sagittal: A lengthwise cut that divides the body into right and left portions.
• Midsagittal: A specific sagittal cut along the midline that divides the body into equal halves.
• Parasagittal: A sagittal section that is lateral to the midline.
• Transverse: A horizontal cut that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.
• Coronal (Frontal): A section that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.
• Cross Section: A cut across the structure, often used to analyze the internal features of organs.
• Oblique: Refers to an angular slice through a structure.
• Longitudinal: A lengthwise cut along the structure.

Body Regions and Their Significance

• Epigastric Region: The upper middle portion of the abdomen.
• Left and Right Hypochondriac Regions: Positioned on either side of the epigastric region.
• Umbilical Region: The central portion of the abdomen.
• Left and Right Lumbar Regions: Located on either side of the umbilical region.
• Hypogastric Region: The lower middle portion of the abdomen.
• Left and Right Iliac (Inguinal) Regions: Positioned on either side of the hypogastric region.

Specific Anatomical Terms

• Abdominal: Refers to the region between the thorax and pelvis.
• Acromial: Indicates the point of the shoulder.
• Antebrachial: Pertains to the forearm.
• Axillary: Refers to the armpit area.
• Brachial: Denotes the arm region.
• Buccal: Relates to the cheek area.
• Cervical: Pertains to the neck region.
• Costal: Refers to the ribs.
• Coxal: Indicates the hip region.
• Genital: Refers to reproductive organs.
• Gluteal: Pertains to the buttocks.

Other Anatomical Terms

• Digital: Refers to fingers or toes.
• Nasal: Pertains to the nose.
• Occipital: Indicates the lower posterior region of the head.
• Oral: Refers to the mouth.
• Patellar: Relates to the front of the knee.
• Pedal: Refers to the foot and structures within it.
• Vertebral: Indicates the spinal column.