Glossary
Anatomical Position: the body standing upright, with the feet at shoulder width and parallel, toes forward.
Anatomy: science that studies the form and composition of the body's structures.
Anterior: (or ventral) describes the front or direction toward the front of the body.
Computed Tomography (CT): a noninvasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays in order to reveal minute details about structures in the body
Cytology: the study of cells.
Deep: describes a position farther from the surface of the body.
Distal: describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.
Energy Processing: Living things take in energy and convert it to useful forms in order to perform work.
Evolutionary Adaptation: Populations of living things evolve over time in order to adapt to their environment.
Frontal plane: (or coronal) is the plane that divides the body or an organ into an anterior (front) portion and a posterior (rear) portion.
Gross Anatomy: study of the larger structures of the body, typically with the unaided eye; also referred to macroscopic anatomy.
Growth and Development: Things that are alive grow and develop.
Histology: the study of tissues.
Inferior: (or caudal) describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column).
Lateral: describes the side or direction toward the side of the body.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a noninvasive medical imaging technique in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. Malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue.
Medial: describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body.
Microscopic Anatomy: study of very small structures of the body using magnification.
Midsagittal Plane: (or median) sagittal vertical plane that runs directly down the middle of the body
Order: living things display an ordered organization.
Parasagittal: (or longitudinal) divides the body into unequal right and left sides
Pathology: the study and diagnosis of disease gleaned from tissue analysis or autopsy.
Positron emission tomography (PET): a medical imaging technique involving the use of so-called radiopharmaceuticals, substances that emit radiation that is short-lived and therefore relatively safe to administer to the body.
Physiology: science that studies the chemistry, biochemistry, and physics of the body's functions.
Prone: a face-down orientation.
Proximal: describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.
Posterior: (or dorsal) describes the back or direction toward the back of the body.
Regional Anatomy: study of the structures that contribute to specific body regions
Regulation: Living things have systems in place to maintain a constant internal environment despite fluctuating external conditions. This property of life is sometimes also called homeostasis.
Reproduction: Living things reproduce more of their own kind.
Response to the Environment: Living things respond to stimuli.
Sagittal Plane: the plane that divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides.
Superficial: describes a position closer to the surface of the body.
Superior: (or cranial) describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper.
Supine: a face-up orientation.
Systemic Anatomy: study of the structures that contribute to specific body systems
Transverse Plane: a plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.
Ultrasonography: an imaging technique that uses the transmission of high-frequency sound waves into the body to generate an echo signal that is converted by a computer into a real-time image of anatomy and physiology
X-ray: a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation with a short wavelength capable of penetrating solids and ionizing gases, used for internal medical assessments.
Grant and Other Information
Except where otherwise noted, this work by The Community College Consortium for Bioscience Credentials is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
Text from OpenStaxCollege licensed under CC BY 3.0. Modified by Alice Rudolph, M.A. for c3bc.
"What is Life" text by Michael Ayers, M.S. for c3bc
Instructional Design by Courtney Harrington, Ph.D., Helen Dollyhite, M.A. and Caroline Smith, M.A. for c3bc.
Media and interactive objects by Brittany Clark, Antonio Davis and John Reece for c3bc.
