Human Anatomy and Physiology Chapter 1

Anatomical Terminology

• Superior (cranial): Refers to a position toward the head or upper part of the body.
• Inferior (caudal): Indicates a position away from the head, toward the lower part of the body.
• Ventral (anterior): Describes a location at the front of the body.
• Dorsal (posterior): Defines a position at the back of the body.
• Medial: Indicates a position toward the midline of the body.
• Lateral: Refers to a position away from the midline of the body.
• Intermediate: Describes a position between medial and lateral structures.
• Proximal: Indicates being closer to the origin of a body part or point of attachment.
• Distal: Refers to being farther from the origin of a body part or attachment point.
• Superficial: Denotes a position toward the body surface.
• Deep (internal): Indicates a position away from the body surface and more internal.

Anatomical Position and Directional Terms

• Anatomical Position: Standard position of the body used for reference; standing erect, facing forward, arms at sides with palms facing forward.
• Directional Terms: Allow for clearer explanation of the locations of structures in relation to one another.

Body Divisions

• Axial: The main axis of the body, includes the head, neck, and trunk.
• Appendicular: Relates to the limbs and their attachments to the axial skeleton.

Regional Anatomy

• Regional Terms: Specific terms used to designate areas within the major body divisions, such as abdominal, acromial, and cervical.
• Key Regions: Include areas such as the thoracic (chest), lumbar (lower back), and gluteal (buttocks).

Body Cavities

• Dorsal Body Cavity: Protects the nervous system; includes the cranial cavity (encases the brain) and vertebral cavity (encloses the spinal cord).
• Ventral Body Cavity: The larger and anterior cavity that houses internal organs known as viscera; includes the thoracic cavity and abdominopelvic cavity.
• Thoracic Cavity: Enclosed by ribs, contains pleural cavities (the lungs) and the medial mediastinum (houses the pericardial cavity).
• Abdominopelvic Cavity: Contains abdominal cavity (stomach, intestines, etc.) and pelvic cavity (bladder, reproductive organs).

Serous Membranes

• Serosa: A double-layered membrane covering the walls of the cavities and organs within the ventral body cavity.
• Parietal Serosa: Lines the internal body walls.
• Visceral Serosa: Covers internal organs.

Anatomical Planes

• Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into right and left parts.
• Median Plane (midsagittal): Sagittal plane that lies exactly in the midline.
• Parasagittal Planes: All other sagittal planes offset from the midline.
• Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.
• Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Divides body into superior and inferior parts.
• Oblique Sections: Cuts made diagonally between horizontal and vertical planes.

Special Body Cavities

• Oral and Digestive Cavities: Continuous from the mouth to the anus.
• Nasal Cavity: Located in the nose, part of the respiratory system.
• Orbital Cavities: House the eyes.
• Middle Ear Cavities: Contain tiny bones for hearing.
• Synovial Cavities: Joint cavities that secrete lubricating fluid to reduce friction in movable joints.

Definitions of Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy: The study of the structure of body parts and their interrelationships.
• Physiology: The study of how body parts function and carry out life-sustaining activities.

Test your knowledge of key anatomical terms with these flashcards from Chapter 1 of Human Anatomy and Physiology. Learn definitions for words like superior, inferior, ventral, and dorsal. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of body orientation terminology.