Anatomy Vocabulary

A&P Test 1 Vocabulary

Tissue - any of the distinct types of material of which animals or plants are made, consisting of specialized cells and their products

Organ - a part of an organism that is typically self-contained and has a specific vital function, such as the heart or liver in humans

Organ System - a group of organs that work together to perform one or more functions

Anatomical Position - the erect position of the body with the face directed forward, the arms at the side, and the palms of the hands facing forward

Dorsal Body Cavity - located near the posterior surface of the body. contains cranial cavity, vertebral canal, and meninges

Cranial BC - enclosed by the skull & contains the brain

Spinal BC - enclosed by the spine & contains the spinal chord

Ventral BC - in the anterior aspect of the human body & is made up of the thoracic cavity, and the abdominopelvic cavity

Thoracic BC - superior cavity within the ventral body cavity, chest cavity. contains ribs, muscles of chest, and sternum. holds pericardial cavity, pleural cavity, and mediastinum.

Pleural Cavities - two cavities, one surrounding each lung and contains small amount of liquid

Mediastinum - a membranous partition between two body cavities or two parts of an organ, especially that between the lungs

Abdominopelvic BC - inferior part of the ventral body cavity, separated from the thoratic cavity by the diaphram and extends to the groin. surrounded by abdominal wall and bones and muscles of pelvis. holds abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity

Parietal Membrane - any of several parts in the parietal region of the skull, especially the parietal bone

Visceral Membrane - lines the internal organ, whereas the parietal membrane lines the body cavity. In between these two linings serous fluid is secreted.

Superior - further above or out; higher in position

Inferior - low or lower in position

Anterior - nearer the front, especially situated in the front of the body or nearer to the head...