 | Term | Definition |
| |
abdominopelvic |
body cavity that contains abdominal organs -- stomach, liver, gall bladder, spleen, small intestine, large intestine. Pelvic portion contains the terminal part of the large intestine, the rectum, urinary bladder and internal female reproductive organs, ovaries, uterus, oviducts. |
| |
anabolism |
linking together small molecules to make larger ones. This requires the input of energy, that is utilized from catabolic reactions. |
| |
anatomy |
the study of structure |
| |
antebrachial |
anatomical term pertaining to the front of the arm. |
| |
antecubital |
anatomical term pertaining to the front of the lower arm (in front of the elbow) |
| |
anterior |
directional term that means towards the front. (i.e.) The heart is anterior to the spinal cord. i.e. ventral |
| |
axillary |
anatomical term meaning armpit. |
| |
bilateral |
directional term meaning structures on both sides of the midline. The hands are bilateral. |
| |
brachial |
anatomical term pertaining to the arm |
| |
bucchal |
anatomical term pertaining to the cheek. |
| |
calcaneal |
anatomical term pertaining to the heel |
| |
carpal |
anatomical term pertaining to the wrist |
| |
catabolism |
breaking down large molecules or macromolecules into smaller ones. The breaking of bonds in the large molecules, liberates energy to fuel anabolic reactions |
| |
caudal |
directional term meaning away from the head. Usually used in four-legged animals. |
| |
cephalad |
directional term meaning towards the head. Usually used in four-legged animals. |
| |
cervical |
anatomical term pertaining to the neck |
| |
clavicular |
anatomical term pertaining to the collar bone |
| |
contralateral |
directional term that means on different sides of the midline. The right shoulder and left hip are contralateral to each other. |
| |
coxal |
anatomical term for the hip |
| |
cranial |
directional term meaning towards the head. Usually used in four legged animals. |
| |
deep |
directional term that means away from the surface. She has a deep cut on her hand. |
| |
deltoid |
referring to the top or curve of the shoulder |
| |
distal |
directional term that means farther away from. It is used in relation to the limbs and their attachment site to the body. In reference to the hips, the knee is proximal, the ankle is distal. |
| |
dorsal |
directional term that means towards the back. usually used in quadripeds (four-legged animals) i.e. posterior |
| |
femoral |
anatomical term pertaining to the thigh |
| |
frontal |
anatomical term pertaining to the forehead |
| |
homeostasis |
keeping the body within certain boundaries or physiological limits. (i.e. temperature, pH, blood pressure) |
| |
inferior |
directional term for below. (i.e.) The mouth is inferior to the nose. |
| |
inguinal |
anatomical term for the groin or pelvic area |
| |
ipsilateral |
directional term meaning on the same side of the midline. The right wrist and right knee are ipsilateral. |
| |
lateral |
directional term meaning away from the middle or midline. The ears are lateral to the nose. |
| |
lingual |
anatomical term that means pertaining to the tongue |
| |
lumbar |
anatomical term for the loin or lower back |
| |
medial |
directional term that means towards the middle or towards the midline. The nose is medial to the ears. |
| |
mental |
anatomical term pertaining to the chin |
| |
metabolism |
the sum of all chemical reactions that occur in the body. |
| |
midline |
an imaginary line that divides the body in to equal right and left sides. |
| |
nasal |
anatomical term pertaining to the nose |
| |
nuchal |
pertaining to the back of the neck |
| |
occipital |
anatomical term for the back of the head |
| |
olecranal |
anatomical term pertaining to the elbow. |
| |
orbital |
anatomical term pertaining to the eye or eye socket |
| |
palmar |
anatomical term dealing with the anterior side of the hand |
| |
patellar |
anatomical term for the anterior knee |
| |
pectoral |
anatomical term pertaining to the chest |
| |
phlanges |
anatomical term for the fingers and toes. also digits is used. |
| |
physiology |
the study of function |
| |
plantar |
anatomical term pertaining to the sole of the foot |
| |
popliteal |
anatomical term for the posterior knee |
| |
posterior |
directional term that means towards the back. (i.e.) The spinal cord is posterior to the heart. i.e. dorsal |
| |
proximal |
directional term that means closer to. This is used in relationship to arms and legs and their attachment site to the body. For example. In reference to the shoulder, the elbow is proximal, the wrist is distal. |
| |
scapular |
anatomical term pertaining to the shoulder blade |
| |
sternal |
anatomical term pertaining to the breastbone or sternum |
| |
superficial |
directional term that means towards the surface. He has a superficial cut. (like a paper cut) |
| |
superior |
is the directional term for above. (i.e.) the nose is superior to the mouth. |
| |
sural |
anatomical term for the calf (posterior lower leg) |
| |
tarsal |
anatomical term pertaining to the ankle. |
| |
temporal |
anatomical term for the side of the head. |
| |
thoracic |
body cavity containing esophagus, heart, lungs, great vessels, bronchi, and trachea. Protected by ribs, vertebra, the sternum. Inferior boundary is the diaphragm |
| |
ventral |
directional term meaning towards the front, but usually used in quadripeds (four-legged animals) Same as anterior. |
