Anatomical Terms and Terminology Quiz

Study Notes

Anatomical Terms and Terminology

Median plane: Divides the body vertically into right and left halves.
Medial: Structures closer to the median plane.
Lateral: Structures further away from the median plane.
Coronal plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior halves.
Transverse plane: Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) halves.
Ventral: Front of the body.
Dorsal: Back of the body.
Proximal: Structures closer to the root of a limb.
Distal: Structures further away from the root of a limb.
Ipsilateral: Same side of the body.
Contralateral: Opposite side of the body.
Supine position: Body lying on the back.
Prone position: Body lying on the face.

Bones

Ossification: The process of bone formation.
Diaphysis: Middle part of a long bone.
Epiphyses: Ends of a long bone.
Epiphyseal plate: The only place where bone growth in length occurs.
Medullary cavity: Cavity in the diaphysis of a long bone.
Periosteum: Outer fibrous tissue membrane covering the bone.
Bone growth in width: Occurs by the periosteum on its outer surface.
Intramembranous Ossification: Mesenchyme directly ossifies into bone.
Endochondral Ossification: Cartilage models ossify into bone.
Irregular bones: Vertebrae.
Flat bones: Bones of the skull cap.
Long bones: Humerus.
Short bones: Carpus.
Fossa: Depressed area on a bone.
Process: Projection of a bone.
Spine: Thorn-like process.
Tubercle: Small raised eminence.

Muscles

Skeletal muscles: Voluntary striated muscles.
Smooth muscles: Involuntary muscles.
Cardiac muscles: Striated muscles found in the heart.
Origin: Attachment of a muscle that moves the least.
Insertion: Attachment of a muscle that moves the most.
Belly: Fleshy part of a muscle.
Tendons: Fibrous ends of muscles attached to bones.
Aponeurosis: Flat tendon.
Flexion: Approximating two surfaces by making an angle.
Extension: Straightening.
Abduction: Moving a limb away from the midline.
Adduction: Moving a limb towards the midline.
Medial Rotation: Rotation towards the median plane.
Lateral Rotation: Rotation away from the median plane.
Protraction: Moving forward.
Retraction: Moving backwards.
Prime mover: Chief muscle for a specific movement.
Antagonist: Muscle opposing the action of the prime mover.
Fixator: Muscle stabilizing the origin of the prime mover.
Synergist: Prevents movement of joints crossed by the prime mover.
Peristalsis: The action of smooth muscles in the intestine to propel contents.
Smooth muscles: Have spindle-shaped cells.
Autonomic nervous system: Supplies smooth and cardiac muscles.
Cardiac muscles: Consist of striated muscle fibers that branch and unite.
Myocardium: Cardiac muscles forming the heart wall.
Conductive system: Specialized cardiac muscle fibers controlling heart rhythm.
Superficial fascia: Subcutaneous tissue where mammary glands develop.
Deep fascia: Membranous layer forming intermuscular septa, retinacula, and aponeuroses.