1. Terms Pertaining to the Body as a Whole
Medical Terminology
Terms Pertaining to the Body
as a Whole

2. Structure of the Body Cell – fundamental unit of all living things
Different types of cells include muscle cells, epithelial cells (skin), nerve cells, fat cells.
Cells are specialized throughout the body to carry out their individual functions

3. Tissue A group of similar cells working together to do a specific job
Histologist – a scientist who specializes in the study of tissue
Some types are: epithelial, muscle, connective and nerve tissue

4. THE HEART Organs Structures composed of several kinds of tissue
The medical term for internal organs is visceral
THE
HEART

5. Body Systems
Groups of organs working together to perform complex functions
The Digestive System consists of mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, pancreas, liver and gall bladder

6. Body Cavities
Cavity – a space within the body that contains internal organs (viscera)
Ventral (front) cavities:
(thoracic, abdominal, pelvic)
Dorsal (back) cavities:
(cranial, spinal)

7. The Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a muscular wall that separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities.

8. Pleura
The pleural cavity is the space between the membranes that surround each lung. Each pleural cavity is lined with a double folded membrane or pleura.

9. Mediastinum
The centrally located area outside of and between the lungs. It contains the heart, aorta, trachea, esophagus, thymus gland, bronchial tubes, and lymph nodes

10. Abdominopelvic Regions

11. Abdominal Quadrants RUQ:
Right lobe of Liver, Gallbladder, pancreas, parts of small and large intestines
LUQ:
Left lobe of Liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas, parts of small and large intestines
RLQ:
Part of small and large intestines, right ovary, right fallopian tube, appendix,
right ureter
LLQ:
Part of small and large intestines, left ovary, left fallopian tube, left ureter

12. Spinal Column Vertebra (vertebrae plural) – back bones
Spinal Column consists of 5 divisions
Cervical – neck region (7)
Thoracic – chest region (12)
Lumbar – flank region (5)
Sacral – 5 bones fused to form sacrum
Coccygeal – 4 bones fused to form coccyx or tailbone

13. Spinal Column

14. Planes of the Body
Frontal (Coronal) – divides body into anterior and posterior

15. Planes of the Body Sagittal
(Lateral) – divides body into left and right

16. Planes of the Body
Transverse or Cross sectional – divides body into upper and lower portions

17. Positional and Directional Terms
Medical term for “lying on the back
Supine
Medical Term for “lying on the belly”
Prone

18. Positional and Directional Terms
Medical term for above another structure
Superior
Medical term for below another structure
Inferior

19. Positional and Directional Terms
Medical term for on the surface
Superficial
Medical term for away from the surface
Deep

20. Positional and Directional Terms
Medical term for pertaining to the side
Lateral
Medical term for pertaining to the middle
Medial

21. Positional and Directional Terms
Pertaining to the front side of the body
Anterior or ventral
Pertaining to the back side of the body
Posterior or dorsal

22. Positional and Directional Terms
Medical term for near the beginning of a structure or point of attachment
Proximal
Medical term for far from the beginning of a structure or point of attachment
Distal