Chapter 2: Terms Pertaining to the Body as a Whole Tri-State Business Institute MD000 Medical...

Chapter 2:Chapter 2:Terms Pertaining to the Terms Pertaining to the Body as a WholeBody as a Whole

Tri-State Business InstituteTri-State Business Institute

MD000 Medical Terminology 1MD000 Medical Terminology 1

Micheal H. McCabe, EMT-PMicheal H. McCabe, EMT-P

Structural Structural Organization of the Organization of the Body:Body: The cell is the fundamental unit of The cell is the fundamental unit of

all living things.all living things. All cells have a similar structure.All cells have a similar structure. Cells are everywhere in the body – Cells are everywhere in the body –

every organ and tissue is every organ and tissue is composed of cells.composed of cells.

The study of cells is called The study of cells is called cytology. The study of tissues is cytology. The study of tissues is called histology.called histology.

Parts of the Cell:Parts of the Cell:

[1] Cell Membrane – surrounds and [1] Cell Membrane – surrounds and protects the cell. Also Regulates protects the cell. Also Regulates what passes into and out of the cell.what passes into and out of the cell.

[2] Nucleus – is the control center of [2] Nucleus – is the control center of the cell. Genetic material in the the cell. Genetic material in the nucleus determines the structure nucleus determines the structure and function of the cell and controls and function of the cell and controls reproduction.reproduction.


[3] Chromosomes are rod-like structures [3] Chromosomes are rod-like structures within the nucleus. Most human cells within the nucleus. Most human cells contain 23 paired chromosomes that contain 23 paired chromosomes that comprise the human genome.comprise the human genome.

Chromosomes contain regions called Chromosomes contain regions called genes. Each gene is built up of DNA. genes. Each gene is built up of DNA. The DNA serves as a chemical The DNA serves as a chemical “program” that directs the function of “program” that directs the function of the cell.the cell.


[4] Cytoplasm is all the material [4] Cytoplasm is all the material outside the nucleus and enclosed outside the nucleus and enclosed by the cell membrane. It includes by the cell membrane. It includes intracellular fluid as well as intracellular fluid as well as discrete structures like the discrete structures like the mitochondria[a], endoplasmic mitochondria[a], endoplasmic reticulum[b], and ribosomes.reticulum[b], and ribosomes.

Mitochondria:Mitochondria:

Small, sausage-shaped bodies Small, sausage-shaped bodies found in the cytoplasm.found in the cytoplasm.

Mitochondria are the “power-Mitochondria are the “power-plants” within the cell that plants” within the cell that produce energy by combining produce energy by combining food with oxygen.food with oxygen.

This chemical process is called This chemical process is called catabolism.catabolism.

Endoplasmic Endoplasmic Reticulum:Reticulum: Is a network of canals (reticulum) Is a network of canals (reticulum)

within the cell.within the cell. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

contains very small structures contains very small structures called ribosomes that called ribosomes that manufacture protein.manufacture protein.

This chemical process is called This chemical process is called anabolism.anabolism.

Metabolism:Metabolism:

Metabolism is the total of the chemical Metabolism is the total of the chemical processes within the cell.processes within the cell.

Metabolism includes catabolism and Metabolism includes catabolism and anabolism.anabolism.

If a person has a “fast” metabolism, If a person has a “fast” metabolism, nutrients are used up quickly and nutrients are used up quickly and energy is released.energy is released.

If a person has a “slow” metabolism, If a person has a “slow” metabolism, nutrients are used slowly and fat nutrients are used slowly and fat accumulates in the cells.accumulates in the cells.

Karyotype:Karyotype:

Karyotype:Karyotype:

A karyotype is a photographic A karyotype is a photographic “map” of the chromosomes.“map” of the chromosomes.

The chromosomes are treated The chromosomes are treated with chemicals so that light and with chemicals so that light and dark areas are visible.dark areas are visible.

An electron microscope is used to An electron microscope is used to visualize and photograph the visualize and photograph the chromosomes.chromosomes.

Amniocentisis:Amniocentisis:

This procedure is undertaken to check This procedure is undertaken to check an unborn baby for chromosomal an unborn baby for chromosomal abnormalities.abnormalities.

A needle is used to aspirate a quantity A needle is used to aspirate a quantity of cells from the amniotic sac.of cells from the amniotic sac.

A karyotype is created from the A karyotype is created from the aspirated cells.aspirated cells.

This is a prenatal test frequently used This is a prenatal test frequently used to diagnose Down’s Syndrome.to diagnose Down’s Syndrome.

Study Section 1:Study Section 1:

Anabolism – the process of Anabolism – the process of building up complex materials building up complex materials (proteins) from simple materials.(proteins) from simple materials.

Catabolism – the process of Catabolism – the process of breaking down complex materials breaking down complex materials (foods) to form simpler (foods) to form simpler substances and release energy.substances and release energy.


Cell Membrane – Structure surrounding Cell Membrane – Structure surrounding and protecting the cell. It determines and protecting the cell. It determines what enters and leaves the cell.what enters and leaves the cell.

Chromosomes – rod-shaped structures in Chromosomes – rod-shaped structures in the nucleus that contain regions of DNA the nucleus that contain regions of DNA called genes. There are 46 called genes. There are 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) in most human chromosomes (23 pairs) in most human cells.cells.

Cytoplasm – all the material that is Cytoplasm – all the material that is outside the nucleus yet contained within outside the nucleus yet contained within the cell membrane.the cell membrane.


DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid; chemical found in each chromosome. chemical found in each chromosome. Arranged like a sequence of recipes Arranged like a sequence of recipes in code, it directs the activities of the in code, it directs the activities of the cell.cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum – Structures Endoplasmic Reticulum – Structures (canals) within the cytoplasm. Site (canals) within the cytoplasm. Site in which large proteins are made in which large proteins are made from smaller pieces (amino acids.)from smaller pieces (amino acids.)


Genes – regions of DNA within Genes – regions of DNA within each chromosome.each chromosome.

Karyotype – Picture of Karyotype – Picture of chromosomes in the nucleus of a chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell. The chromosomes are cell. The chromosomes are arranged in numerical order to arranged in numerical order to determine their number and determine their number and structure.structure.


Metabolism – The total of the Metabolism – The total of the chemical processes in a cell. It chemical processes in a cell. It includes both catabolism and includes both catabolism and anabolism.anabolism.

Mitochondria – Sausage-shaped Mitochondria – Sausage-shaped structures in the cytoplasm in structures in the cytoplasm in which foods are burned to release which foods are burned to release energy; “power plants.”energy; “power plants.”


Nucleus – Control center of the Nucleus – Control center of the cell. It contains chromosomes cell. It contains chromosomes and directs the activities of the and directs the activities of the cell.cell.

Differences in Cells:Differences in Cells:

Cells throughout the body are Cells throughout the body are specialized to perform particular specialized to perform particular tasks.tasks.

A group of similar cells working A group of similar cells working together to do a specific job is together to do a specific job is called a called a tissue.tissue.

A specialist who studies tissues is A specialist who studies tissues is called a called a histologisthistologist..

Some Types of Cells:Some Types of Cells:

Muscle CellsMuscle Cells – are long, slender, and – are long, slender, and contain contractile fibers that allow contain contractile fibers that allow them to shorten their length.them to shorten their length.

Epithelial CellsEpithelial Cells – are specialized cells – are specialized cells that form protective membranes like that form protective membranes like the skin.the skin.

Nerve CellsNerve Cells – are very long and have – are very long and have various fibrous extensions that aid its various fibrous extensions that aid its job of carrying impulses.job of carrying impulses.

Fat Cells – Fat Cells – contain large empty spaces contain large empty spaces for fat storage.for fat storage.

Diagrams of Cell Diagrams of Cell Types:Types:

Epithelial Tissue:Epithelial Tissue:

Epithelial Tissue – is located throughout Epithelial Tissue – is located throughout the body and forms the lining of internal the body and forms the lining of internal organs, makes up exocrine and organs, makes up exocrine and endocrine glands, and forms the outer endocrine glands, and forms the outer surface of the skin covering the body. surface of the skin covering the body. The word The word epithelialepithelial was originally used to was originally used to describe the tissue above the breast describe the tissue above the breast nipple. Now it is used to describe the nipple. Now it is used to describe the tissues that cover the outside of the body tissues that cover the outside of the body and line the internal cavities.and line the internal cavities.

Muscle Tissue:Muscle Tissue:

Voluntary muscle is found attached to the Voluntary muscle is found attached to the skeleton. It allows voluntary movement skeleton. It allows voluntary movement under conscious control.under conscious control.

Involuntary muscle (smooth muscle) is found Involuntary muscle (smooth muscle) is found in the walls of the blood vessels, intestines, in the walls of the blood vessels, intestines, and hollow organs of the body. This and hollow organs of the body. This movement is not under conscious control.movement is not under conscious control.

Cardiac Muscle is found only in the walls of Cardiac Muscle is found only in the walls of the heart (myocardium) and is specialized in the heart (myocardium) and is specialized in that it will contract automatically – that it will contract automatically – independent of nervous system action. This independent of nervous system action. This property is called automaticity.property is called automaticity.

Connective Tissue:Connective Tissue:

Connective tissue is the most Connective tissue is the most common and the most diverse of common and the most diverse of all body tissues.all body tissues.

Examples are fat (adipose tissue), Examples are fat (adipose tissue), bone, cartilage, and blood.bone, cartilage, and blood.

Connective tissue is characterized Connective tissue is characterized by relatively few cells that create by relatively few cells that create non-cellular structures known as non-cellular structures known as matrixmatrix..

Nerve Tissue:Nerve Tissue:

Nerve tissue conducts impulses all over the Nerve tissue conducts impulses all over the body.body.

Nerve cells have specialized extensions called Nerve cells have specialized extensions called axonsaxons and and dendritesdendrites that serve as specialized that serve as specialized communication lines.communication lines.

The Axon The Axon carries messages (impulses) away carries messages (impulses) away from the body of the nerve cell. It serves as a from the body of the nerve cell. It serves as a transmitter. Each nerve cell has only one axon.transmitter. Each nerve cell has only one axon.

DendritesDendrites carry messages (impulses) towards carry messages (impulses) towards the body of the cells. They serve as receivers. the body of the cells. They serve as receivers. Each nerve cell can have many dendrites.Each nerve cell can have many dendrites.

Organs:Organs:

Organs are structures composed of Organs are structures composed of several kinds of tissue.several kinds of tissue.

For example, the stomach is composed For example, the stomach is composed of muscle tissue, nerve tissue, of muscle tissue, nerve tissue, glandular epithelial tissue, and glandular epithelial tissue, and connective tissue.connective tissue.

The medical term for internal organs is The medical term for internal organs is viscera (singular form: viscus)viscera (singular form: viscus)

Examples of abdominal viscera include Examples of abdominal viscera include the liver, stomach, pancreas, the liver, stomach, pancreas, intestines, spleen, and gallbladder.intestines, spleen, and gallbladder.

Systems:Systems:

Systems are groups of organs Systems are groups of organs working together to perform working together to perform complex functions.complex functions.

Different books and authors group Different books and authors group the organ systems differently.the organ systems differently.

Example: This book groups the Example: This book groups the body into ten body systems. The body into ten body systems. The A&P class groups the body into 15 A&P class groups the body into 15 systems.systems.

Digestive System:Digestive System:

Function is to digest food, absorb Function is to digest food, absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, nutrients into the bloodstream, and eliminate solid waste.and eliminate solid waste.

Organs include the mouth, Organs include the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.pancreas.

Urinary System:Urinary System:

Also called the excretory system.Also called the excretory system. Function is to eliminate metabolic Function is to eliminate metabolic

waste, maintain the fluid balance waste, maintain the fluid balance of the body, regulate electrolyte of the body, regulate electrolyte levels, and govern the acid/base levels, and govern the acid/base balance.balance.

Organs include the kidneys, Organs include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Respiratory System:Respiratory System:

Function is to bring oxygen into Function is to bring oxygen into the bloodstream and eliminate the bloodstream and eliminate carbon dioxide. Also helps carbon dioxide. Also helps regulate the acid/base balance.regulate the acid/base balance.

Organs include the nose, Organs include the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.bronchioles, and lungs.

Reproductive System:Reproductive System:

Function is to enable reproduction of Function is to enable reproduction of the entire organism and to help the entire organism and to help perpetuate the species.perpetuate the species.

Organs differ somewhat between Organs differ somewhat between males and females.males and females.

Male organs include the testes and Male organs include the testes and assorted tubes, urethra, prostate assorted tubes, urethra, prostate gland, and penis.gland, and penis.

Female organs include the ovaries, Female organs include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and mammary glands.mammary glands.

Endocrine:Endocrine:

Function is of a chemical Function is of a chemical communication system that communication system that regulates function and metabolism regulates function and metabolism at a cellular level.at a cellular level.

Organs include the pituitary gland, Organs include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, sex glands (gonads), thyroid gland, sex glands (gonads), adrenal glands, parathyroid gland, adrenal glands, parathyroid gland, thymus, and the pancreas.thymus, and the pancreas.

Nervous System:Nervous System:

Function is complex – includes Function is complex – includes command, control, and command, control, and communication throughout the communication throughout the entire body.entire body.

Organs include the brain, spinal Organs include the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, spinal cord, cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and other collections of nerves, and other collections of nerve structures.nerve structures.

Circulatory System:Circulatory System:

Functions as a transportation system – Functions as a transportation system – used to move oxygen, nutrients, waste used to move oxygen, nutrients, waste products, carbon dioxide, chemicals, products, carbon dioxide, chemicals, hormones, and immune system hormones, and immune system components throughout the body.components throughout the body.

Organs include the heart, blood vessels, Organs include the heart, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nodes, blood, lymphatic vessels and nodes, blood, lymph, spleen, and thymus gland.lymph, spleen, and thymus gland.

One of the more complex systems we One of the more complex systems we will discuss.will discuss.

Muscular System:Muscular System:

Function is to enable movement: Function is to enable movement: skeletal muscles move the body skeletal muscles move the body itself; smooth muscles move itself; smooth muscles move substances within the body; substances within the body; cardiac muscle enables operation cardiac muscle enables operation of the circulatory system.of the circulatory system.

Organs include more than 600 Organs include more than 600 muscles and tendons.muscles and tendons.

Skeletal System:Skeletal System:

Provides supporting framework Provides supporting framework for the body; also protects for the body; also protects internal organs and provides for internal organs and provides for movement via its articulations.movement via its articulations.

Includes more than 200 bones Includes more than 200 bones plus ligaments, cartilage, and plus ligaments, cartilage, and joint structures.joint structures.

Skin and Sense Skin and Sense Organs:Organs: The skin provides an overall The skin provides an overall

covering for the body.covering for the body. Accessory organs of the skin Accessory organs of the skin

include hair and nails.include hair and nails. General sense organs are General sense organs are

embedded within the skin.embedded within the skin. Special sense organs are complex Special sense organs are complex

independent structures.independent structures.


Adipose tissue – collection of fat Adipose tissue – collection of fat cells.cells.

Cartilage – flexible connective Cartilage – flexible connective tissue attached to bones at joints.tissue attached to bones at joints.

Epithelial Cell – skin cells that cover Epithelial Cell – skin cells that cover the external body surfaces and line the external body surfaces and line the internal surfaces of organs.the internal surfaces of organs.

Histologist – a specialist in the study Histologist – a specialist in the study of tissues.of tissues.


Larynx – voice box; located at the Larynx – voice box; located at the upper part of the trachea.upper part of the trachea.

Pharynx – throat; The pharynx is Pharynx – throat; The pharynx is the common passageway for food the common passageway for food and air entering the body.and air entering the body.

Pituitary gland – Endocrine gland Pituitary gland – Endocrine gland located at the base of the brain.located at the base of the brain.


Thyroid gland – endocrine gland that Thyroid gland – endocrine gland that surrounds the trachea in the neck.surrounds the trachea in the neck.

Trachea – The windpipe – a tube Trachea – The windpipe – a tube leading from the throat to the leading from the throat to the bronchi.bronchi.

Ureter – One of two tubes leading Ureter – One of two tubes leading from each kidney to the urinary from each kidney to the urinary bladder.bladder.


Urethra – Tube from the urinary Urethra – Tube from the urinary bladder to the outside of the bladder to the outside of the body.body.

Uterus – The womb. The organ Uterus – The womb. The organ that holds the embryo and fetus that holds the embryo and fetus as it develops.as it develops.

Viscera – internal organs.Viscera – internal organs.

Body Cavities:Body Cavities:

A body cavity is a space within A body cavity is a space within the body that contains internal the body that contains internal organs (viscera.)organs (viscera.)

Ventral cavities are found in the Ventral cavities are found in the front of the body.front of the body.

Dorsal cavities are found in the Dorsal cavities are found in the back.back.

Body Cavities:Body Cavities:

Ventral Cavities:Ventral Cavities:

Thoracic Cavity – Located in the Thoracic Cavity – Located in the upper half of the torso (thorax); the upper half of the torso (thorax); the diaphragm separates the thoracic diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Abdominal Cavity – located in the Abdominal Cavity – located in the middle portion of the torso middle portion of the torso (abdomen)(abdomen)

Pelvic Cavity – located within the Pelvic Cavity – located within the pelvic girdle.pelvic girdle.

Dorsal Cavities:Dorsal Cavities:

Cranial Cavity – lies within the Cranial Cavity – lies within the cranial vault; the hollow, enclosed cranial vault; the hollow, enclosed portion of the skull.portion of the skull.

Spinal Cavity – lies within the Spinal Cavity – lies within the vertebrae. Also called the vertebrae. Also called the vertebral canal.vertebral canal.

The Cranial Cavity:The Cranial Cavity:

Contains the brain and pituitary Contains the brain and pituitary gland.gland.

Is lined by the meninges Is lined by the meninges surrounding the brain.surrounding the brain.

Regions of the cranial cavity (and Regions of the cranial cavity (and the brain within) are named after the brain within) are named after adjacent bones (occipital, frontal, adjacent bones (occipital, frontal, parietal, temporal, etc.)parietal, temporal, etc.)

The Thoracic Cavity:The Thoracic Cavity:

Contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, Contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea, bronchial tubes, thymus glad, trachea, bronchial tubes, thymus glad, aorta, and other large blood vessels.aorta, and other large blood vessels.

Can be divided into two smaller cavities:Can be divided into two smaller cavities:1.1. Pleural Cavity – space between the Pleural Cavity – space between the

membranes that surround each lung.membranes that surround each lung.2.2. Mediastinum – a centrally located area Mediastinum – a centrally located area

outside of and between the lungs. Contains outside of and between the lungs. Contains the heart, aorta, trachea, esophagus, thymus the heart, aorta, trachea, esophagus, thymus gland, bronchi, and many lymph nodes.gland, bronchi, and many lymph nodes.

Divisions of the Divisions of the Thoracic Cavity:Thoracic Cavity:

The Abdominal Cavity:The Abdominal Cavity:

Contains the stomach, small Contains the stomach, small intestine, large intestines, spleen, intestine, large intestines, spleen, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.

Lined by a double folded Lined by a double folded membrane called the peritoneum.membrane called the peritoneum.

Behind the peritoneum is the Behind the peritoneum is the retroperitoneal spaceretroperitoneal space where the where the kidneys are located.kidneys are located.

The Abdominal Cavity:The Abdominal Cavity:

The Pelvic Cavity:The Pelvic Cavity:

Located within the pelvic girdle.Located within the pelvic girdle. Some authors consider this part of the Some authors consider this part of the

abdominal cavity. May refer the collective abdominal cavity. May refer the collective space as the abdominopelvic cavity.space as the abdominopelvic cavity.

Contains portions of the large and small Contains portions of the large and small intestine, the rectum, urinary bladder, ureters, intestine, the rectum, urinary bladder, ureters, urethra.urethra.

In the female, also contains the uterus and In the female, also contains the uterus and vagina.vagina.

In the male, also contains the prostate gland.In the male, also contains the prostate gland. Most pelvic organs Most pelvic organs notnot enveloped by the enveloped by the

peritoneum.peritoneum.

The Spinal Cavity:The Spinal Cavity:

Located within the vertebral Located within the vertebral column.column.

Also called the spinal canal.Also called the spinal canal. Contains the spinal cord and Contains the spinal cord and

spinal nerves.spinal nerves.


Abdominal Cavity – space below the Abdominal Cavity – space below the chest containing organs such as the chest containing organs such as the liver, stomach, gallbladder, and liver, stomach, gallbladder, and intestines; also called simply the intestines; also called simply the abdomen.abdomen.

Cranial Cavity – space in the head Cranial Cavity – space in the head containing the brain and surrounded containing the brain and surrounded by the skull. Cranial means by the skull. Cranial means “pertaining to the skull.”“pertaining to the skull.”


Diaphragm – muscle separating the Diaphragm – muscle separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities.abdominal and thoracic cavities.

Dorsal (posterior) – pertaining to the Dorsal (posterior) – pertaining to the back.back.

Mediastinum – Centrally located Mediastinum – Centrally located between the lungs.between the lungs.

Pelvic Cavity – Space below the Pelvic Cavity – Space below the abdomen containing portions of the abdomen containing portions of the intestines, rectum, urinary bladder, and intestines, rectum, urinary bladder, and reproductive organs. Pelvic means reproductive organs. Pelvic means “pertaining to the hip bone,” which “pertaining to the hip bone,” which surrounds the pelvic cavity.surrounds the pelvic cavity.


Pleura – a double-layered membrane Pleura – a double-layered membrane surrounding each lung.surrounding each lung.

Pleural Cavity – Space between the Pleural Cavity – Space between the pleural membranes and surrounding pleural membranes and surrounding each lung.each lung.

Spinal cavity – Space within the spinal Spinal cavity – Space within the spinal column (backbone) and containing the column (backbone) and containing the spinal cord. Also called the spinal spinal cord. Also called the spinal canal.canal.


Thoracic Cavity – Space in the Thoracic Cavity – Space in the chest containing the heart, lungs, chest containing the heart, lungs, bronchial tubes, trachea, bronchial tubes, trachea, esophagus, and other organs.esophagus, and other organs.

Ventral (Anterior) – Pertaining to Ventral (Anterior) – Pertaining to the front.the front.

Organs of the Organs of the Abdomen and Thorax:Abdomen and Thorax:

Organs of the Abdomen Organs of the Abdomen and Thorax (Posterior and Thorax (Posterior View):View):

Regions of the Regions of the Abdomen:Abdomen: The combined abdominal and The combined abdominal and

pelvic cavities are divided into pelvic cavities are divided into nine regions.nine regions.

These regions are used by These regions are used by doctors to describe the location doctors to describe the location where various organs are found.where various organs are found.

These regions are frequently used These regions are frequently used in reports describing the location in reports describing the location of pain and surgical procedures.of pain and surgical procedures.

Hypochondriac – two upper left and Hypochondriac – two upper left and upper right regions below the cartilage upper right regions below the cartilage of the ribs that extend over the of the ribs that extend over the abdomen.abdomen.

Epigastric Region – The region above Epigastric Region – The region above the stomach.the stomach.

Lumbar Region – two middle right and Lumbar Region – two middle right and middle left regions near the waist.middle left regions near the waist.

Umbilical Region – area of the navel Umbilical Region – area of the navel (umbilicus)(umbilicus)

Regions of the Regions of the Abdomen:Abdomen:

Regions of the Regions of the Abdomen:Abdomen: Inguinal Regions – two lower right and Inguinal Regions – two lower right and

left regions near the groin, where the left regions near the groin, where the legs join the trunk of the body. These legs join the trunk of the body. These regions are also known as the iliac regions are also known as the iliac regions because they are near the regions because they are near the ilium which is the upper portion of the ilium which is the upper portion of the hip bone on each side of the body.hip bone on each side of the body.

Hypogastric Region – lower middle Hypogastric Region – lower middle region below the umbilical region.region below the umbilical region.

Regions of the Regions of the Abdomen:Abdomen:

Abdominal Quadrants:Abdominal Quadrants:

The abdominopelvic area can be The abdominopelvic area can be divided into four quadrants by divided into four quadrants by drawing two imaginary lines – one drawing two imaginary lines – one horizontally and one vertically horizontally and one vertically through the body.through the body.

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) contains the liver, gallbladder, part contains the liver, gallbladder, part of the pancreas, and parts of the of the pancreas, and parts of the large and small intestine.large and small intestine.

Left Upper Quandrant (LUQ) – Left Upper Quandrant (LUQ) – contains the liver, stomach, spleen, contains the liver, stomach, spleen, part of the pancreas, and parts of part of the pancreas, and parts of the large and small intestine.the large and small intestine.

Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ) – Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ) – contains parts of the small and large contains parts of the small and large intestine, right ovary, right fallopian intestine, right ovary, right fallopian tube, appendix, and right ureter.tube, appendix, and right ureter.



Left Lower Quadrant – contains Left Lower Quadrant – contains part of the large and small part of the large and small intestines, left ovary, left fallopian intestines, left ovary, left fallopian tube, and left ureter.tube, and left ureter.

Divisions of the Back:Divisions of the Back:

The back is divided into divisions The back is divided into divisions that correspond to the regions of that correspond to the regions of the spinal column.the spinal column.

The spinal column is composed of The spinal column is composed of a series of small bones that a series of small bones that extend from the neck to the extend from the neck to the tailbone.tailbone.

Each bone is called a vertebra Each bone is called a vertebra (plural: vertebrae.)(plural: vertebrae.)

Cervical (abbrev. C) – Neck region. Cervical (abbrev. C) – Neck region. There are 7 cervical vertebrae. (C1-C7)There are 7 cervical vertebrae. (C1-C7)

Thoracic (abbrev. T) – Chest region. Thoracic (abbrev. T) – Chest region. There are 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-There are 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12). Each vertebra is joined to a rib.T12). Each vertebra is joined to a rib.

Lumbar (abbrev. L) – Loin (waist) or Lumbar (abbrev. L) – Loin (waist) or flank region. There are 5 lumbar flank region. There are 5 lumbar vertebrae. (L1-L5)vertebrae. (L1-L5)



Sacral (abbrev. S) – Joined to Sacral (abbrev. S) – Joined to posterior pelvic girdle. There are posterior pelvic girdle. There are five bones (S1-S5) fused into one, five bones (S1-S5) fused into one, the sacrum.the sacrum.

Coccygeal – The coccyx (tailbone) Coccygeal – The coccyx (tailbone) is a small bone composed of four is a small bone composed of four fused pieces.fused pieces.

Spinal Column V. Spinal Column V. Spinal Cord:Spinal Cord: Do not confuse the spinal column Do not confuse the spinal column

with the spinal cord!with the spinal cord! The spinal column is bone tissue The spinal column is bone tissue

and the spinal cord is nerve and the spinal cord is nerve tissue.tissue.

Intervertebral Discs:Intervertebral Discs:

The spaces between the vertebrae are The spaces between the vertebrae are identified according to the two vertebrae identified according to the two vertebrae between which they lie.between which they lie.

For example, L5-S1 lies between the 5For example, L5-S1 lies between the 5thth lumbar and 1lumbar and 1stst sacral vertebrae. sacral vertebrae.

Within the space and between vertebrae there Within the space and between vertebrae there is a small piece of cartilage called a disc.is a small piece of cartilage called a disc.

The disc acts as a shock absorber.The disc acts as a shock absorber. Occassionally, it moves out of place (ruptures) Occassionally, it moves out of place (ruptures)

and puts pressure on a nerve. This is called a and puts pressure on a nerve. This is called a “slipped disc,” and can be very painful.“slipped disc,” and can be very painful.

Study Section 4 – Study Section 4 – Abdominopelvic Abdominopelvic Regions:Regions: Hypochondriac – upper right and Hypochondriac – upper right and

left regions beneath the ribs.left regions beneath the ribs. Epigastric – upper middle region Epigastric – upper middle region

above the stomach.above the stomach. Lumbar – Middle left and right Lumbar – Middle left and right

regions near the waist.regions near the waist. Umbilical – Central region around Umbilical – Central region around

the navel.the navel.

Study Section 4 – Study Section 4 – Abdominopelvic Abdominopelvic Regions:Regions: Ingiunal – Lower right and left Ingiunal – Lower right and left

regions near the groin. Also regions near the groin. Also called the iliac regions.called the iliac regions.

Hypogastric – Lower middle Hypogastric – Lower middle region below the umbilical region.region below the umbilical region.

Study Section 4 – Study Section 4 – Abdominopelvic Abdominopelvic Quadrants:Quadrants:

RUQ – Right Upper QuadrantRUQ – Right Upper Quadrant LUQ – Left Upper QuadrantLUQ – Left Upper Quadrant RLQ – Right Lower QuadrantRLQ – Right Lower Quadrant LLQ – Left Lower QuadrantLLQ – Left Lower Quadrant

Study Section 4 – Study Section 4 – Divisions of the Back:Divisions of the Back:

Cervical – Neck region (C1-C7)Cervical – Neck region (C1-C7) Thoracic – Chest Region (T1-T12)Thoracic – Chest Region (T1-T12) Lumbar – Waist Region (L1-L5)Lumbar – Waist Region (L1-L5) Sacral – Region of the sacrum Sacral – Region of the sacrum

(S1-S5)(S1-S5) Coccygeal – Region of the Coccygeal – Region of the

tailbonetailbone

Study Section 4 – Study Section 4 – Related Terms:Related Terms: Vertebra – A single back boneVertebra – A single back bone Vertebrae – Plural form of vertebraVertebrae – Plural form of vertebra Spinal Column – Bone tissue Spinal Column – Bone tissue

surrounding the spinal cavity.surrounding the spinal cavity. Spinal Cord – Nervous tissue within Spinal Cord – Nervous tissue within

the spinal cavitythe spinal cavity Disc (disk) – A pad of Cartilage Disc (disk) – A pad of Cartilage

between vertebrae.between vertebrae.

Positional and Positional and Directional Terms:Directional Terms: Anterior (Ventral) – Front side of the Anterior (Ventral) – Front side of the

body. Ventral and anterior are the body. Ventral and anterior are the same in humans (we walk upright!); in same in humans (we walk upright!); in an animal (on four legs), ventral refers an animal (on four legs), ventral refers to the belly side and anterior to the to the belly side and anterior to the front end near the head.front end near the head.

Posterior (Dorsal) – The back side of Posterior (Dorsal) – The back side of the body; opposite of anterior. Also the body; opposite of anterior. Also different in quadrapeds.different in quadrapeds.

Positional and Positional and Directional Terms:Directional Terms:

Deep – away from the surface.Deep – away from the surface. Superficial – on (or near) the Superficial – on (or near) the

surface.surface.


Proximal – Near the point of Proximal – Near the point of attachment to the trunk or near attachment to the trunk or near the beginning of a structure.the beginning of a structure.

Distal – Far from the point of Distal – Far from the point of attachmentattachment

Positional and Positional and Directional Terms:Directional Terms: Inferior – Below another structure. Inferior – Below another structure.

The term caudal (pertaining to The term caudal (pertaining to the tail) also means inferior in the tail) also means inferior in humans.humans.

Superior – Above another Superior – Above another structure. The term cephalic structure. The term cephalic (pertaining to the head) is also (pertaining to the head) is also used to mean superior.used to mean superior.


Medial – In the middle or nearer Medial – In the middle or nearer the medial plane of the body.the medial plane of the body.

Lateral – Pertaining to the side – Lateral – Pertaining to the side – farther away from the midline.farther away from the midline.


Supine – Lying on the back.Supine – Lying on the back. Prone – Lying on the belly.Prone – Lying on the belly.

Planes of the Body:Planes of the Body:

A plane is an imaginary flat surface.A plane is an imaginary flat surface. Frontal (Coronal) – a vertical plane that Frontal (Coronal) – a vertical plane that

divides the body into anterior and posterior divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. Also called a coronal plane.portions. Also called a coronal plane.

Sagittal (Lateral) – a lengthwise vertical Sagittal (Lateral) – a lengthwise vertical plane that divides the body or structure plane that divides the body or structure into left and right sides. The midsagittal into left and right sides. The midsagittal plane divides the body or structure equally plane divides the body or structure equally in half.in half.

Transverse – Plane running across the Transverse – Plane running across the body parallel to the ground (horizontal.) body parallel to the ground (horizontal.) Also called a cross-sectional plane.Also called a cross-sectional plane.

Anatomical Directions Anatomical Directions and Planes of the and Planes of the Body:Body:


Anterior (Ventral) – Pertaining to Anterior (Ventral) – Pertaining to the front (belly side) of the body.the front (belly side) of the body.

Deep – away from the surfaceDeep – away from the surface Distal – far from the trunk or far Distal – far from the trunk or far

from the beginning of a structurefrom the beginning of a structure Frontal (Coronal) Plane – vertical Frontal (Coronal) Plane – vertical

plane dividing the body into plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions.anterior and posterior portions.


Inferior (caudal) – Below another Inferior (caudal) – Below another structure.structure.

Lateral – pertaining to the side.Lateral – pertaining to the side. Medial – pertaining to the middle Medial – pertaining to the middle

or near the medial plane of the or near the medial plane of the body.body.

Posterior (dorsal) – Pertaining to Posterior (dorsal) – Pertaining to the back of the body.the back of the body.


Prone – lying on the belly (face Prone – lying on the belly (face down)down)

Proximal – Near the point of Proximal – Near the point of attachment to the trunk or near attachment to the trunk or near the beginning of a structurethe beginning of a structure

Sagittal Plane – Vertical, lateral Sagittal Plane – Vertical, lateral plane diving the body into left plane diving the body into left and right sides.and right sides.


Superficial – on the surfaceSuperficial – on the surface Superior (cephalic) – above Superior (cephalic) – above

another structureanother structure Supine – lying on the back (face Supine – lying on the back (face

up, palm up)up, palm up) Transverse Plane – Horizontal Transverse Plane – Horizontal

plane dividing the body into plane dividing the body into upper and lower portions.upper and lower portions.

Chapter 2: Terms Pertaining to the Body as a Whole Tri-State Business Institute MD000 Medical...

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