2.9: Glossary
Abdominopelvic cavity: Part of the ventral (anterior) cavity; the abdominopelvic cavity is the largest cavity in the body and houses the digestive organs, the pelvic cavity, and the reproductive organs. (Chapter 2.3)
Anatomical view of the body: A standardized view of the human body used for precise documentation and communication, in the position of standing upright with the feet at shoulder width and parallel and toes facing forward. The upper limbs are held out to each side of the body, and the palms of the hands face forward. (Chapter 2.6)
Anatomy: The structure of body systems. (Chapter 2.2)
Anterior: The front or direction toward the front of the body. For example, the kneecap is on the anterior side of the leg. (Chapter 2.6)
Bilateral: On both sides of the body. (Chapter 2.6)
Contralateral: Positioned on the opposite side. For example, the left arm and right arm are contralateral to each other. (Chapter 2.6)
Cranial cavity: Part of the dorsal (posterior) cavity that houses the brain. (Chapter 2.3)
Deep: A position or direction farther from the surface of the body. For example, the brain is deep in the skull. (Chapter 2.6)
Distal: A position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. For example, the hand is at the distal end of the forearm. (Chapter 2.6)
Dorsal (posterior) cavity: The body cavity that includes the cranial and spinal (vertebral) cavities. (Chapter 2.3)
Dorsum: The top of one’s hand or foot. (Chapter 2.6)
Frontal (coronal) plane: A vertical plane running from side to side that divides the body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior portions. (Chapter 2.7)
Homeostasis (hō-mē-ō-STĀ-sĭs): The body’s biological processes that result in stable equilibrium. (Chapter 2.2)
Inferior or caudal: A position below or lower than another part of the body; near the coccyx or lowest part of the spinal column. For example, the pelvis is inferior to the abdomen. (Chapter 2.6)
Ipsilateral: Positioned on the same side. For example, the left arm and left leg are ipsilateral to each other. (Chapter 2.6)
Lateral: The position of lying on one’s side or the direction toward the side of the body. For example, the thumb is lateral to the digits. (Chapter 2.6)
Medial: The middle or the direction toward the middle of the body. For example, the hallux is the medial toe. (Chapter 2.6)
Mucous membranes: A type of epithelial membrane that lines body cavities and their passageways that open to the external environment. Mucus, produced by epithelial exocrine glands, covers the epithelial membrane and provides protection. The digestive, respiratory, excretory, and reproductive tracts contain mucous membranes. (Chapter 2.5)
Oblique plane: Divides the body at an angle between the horizontal and vertical planes. (Chapter 2.7)
Organ systems: A group of organs that work together to perform major functions or meet the physiological needs of the body. There are eleven distinct organ systems in the human body, including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and male and female reproductive systems. (Chapter 2.2)
Palmar: The palm side of one’s hand. (Chapter 2.6)
Physiology: The function of body structures. (Chapter 2.2)
Plantar: The sole side of one’s foot. (Chapter 2.6)
Posterior: The back or direction toward the back of the body. For example, the shoulder blades are on the posterior side of the chest. (Chapter 2.6)
Prone: The position of lying on one’s abdomen. (Chapter 2.6)
Proximal: A position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. For example, the proximal end of the femur joins the pelvis. (Chapter 2.6)
Sagittal (lateral) plane: A vertical plane running from front to back that divides the body or any of its parts into right and left sides. If this vertical plane runs directly down the middle of the body, it is called the midsagittal or median plane. If the plane divides the body into unequal right and left sides, it is called a parasagittal plane or longitudinal section. (Chapter 2.7)
Serous membranes: A type of epithelial membrane that is contained in body cavities and is composed of layers. A parietal layer lines the walls of a body cavity, and a visceral layer covers the organ within the body cavity. Between the parietal and visceral layers is a thin, fluid-filled serous space. Serous membranes provide protection to the organs they enclose by reducing friction that can lead to inflammation of the organs. There are three body cavities with serous membranes, including the pleura (lungs), pericardium (heart), and peritoneum (several organs in the abdominopelvic cavity). (Chapter 2.5)
Spinal cavity: Part of the dorsal (posterior) cavity; the spinal cavity (vertebral cavity) encloses the spinal cord and is protected by the vertebral column and cerebrospinal fluid. (Chapter 2.3)
Superficial: A position or direction closer to the surface of the body. For example, the skin is superficial to the bones. (Chapter 2.6)
Superior or cranial: A position above or higher than another part of the body. For example, the head is superior to the neck. (Chapter 2.6)
Supine: The position of lying down on one’s back. (Chapter 2.6)
Synovial membranes: A type of connective tissue membrane that lines the cavities of joints that hold synovial fluid. Synovial fluid lubricates joints for movement. For example, synovial membranes surround the joints of the shoulder, elbow, and knee. (Chapter 2.5)
Thoracic cavity: Part of the ventral (anterior) cavity that is superior in position to the abdominopelvic cavity and enclosed by the rib cage. The thoracic cavity contains the lungs and the heart. (Chapter 2.3)
Transverse (axial) plane: A horizontal plane that divides the body or any of its parts into upper and lower parts. Transverse planes produce images often referred to as “cross sections.” (Chapter 2.7)
Unilateral: One side of the body. (Chapter 2.6)
Ventral (anterior) cavity: The body cavity that includes the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. (Chapter 2.3)