Back to AI Flashcard MakerAnatomy and Physiology /Medical Terminology Body Organization and Directional Terms Part 3
Medical Terminology Body Organization and Directional Terms Part 3
This deck covers key medical terminology related to body organization and directional terms, including definitions of various body cavities, regions, and anatomical spaces.
Define: Metabolism
The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life, including the conversion of food into energy. Proper metabolism is crucial for energy production and overall health.
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
Define: Metabolism
The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life, including the conversion of food into energy. Proper metabolis...
Define: Dorsal Cavity
The body cavity that houses the brain and spinal cord, located along the back of the body. The dorsal cavity is protected by the skull and vertebral c...
Define: Cranial Cavity
The space within the skull that contains the brain. The brain is encased within the cranial cavity to protect it from injury.
Define: Spinal (Vertebral) Cavity
The canal formed by the vertebrae that houses the spinal cord. The spinal cavity extends from the base of the skull to the lower back.
Define: Ventral Cavity
The large body cavity located at the front of the body, containing the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. The ventral cavity houses vital organs su...
Define: Thoracic Cavity
The cavity in the upper part of the ventral cavity that contains the lungs and heart, protected by the rib cage. The thoracic cavity expands during br...
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Define: Metabolism | The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life, including the conversion of food into energy. Proper metabolism is crucial for energy production and overall health. |
Define: Dorsal Cavity | The body cavity that houses the brain and spinal cord, located along the back of the body. The dorsal cavity is protected by the skull and vertebral column. |
Define: Cranial Cavity | The space within the skull that contains the brain. The brain is encased within the cranial cavity to protect it from injury. |
Define: Spinal (Vertebral) Cavity | The canal formed by the vertebrae that houses the spinal cord. The spinal cavity extends from the base of the skull to the lower back. |
Define: Ventral Cavity | The large body cavity located at the front of the body, containing the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. The ventral cavity houses vital organs such as the heart and lungs. |
Define: Thoracic Cavity | The cavity in the upper part of the ventral cavity that contains the lungs and heart, protected by the rib cage. The thoracic cavity expands during breathing to allow air into the lungs. |
Define: Pleural Cavity | The space between the layers of pleura surrounding each lung, allowing for smooth movement during respiration. Fluid in the pleural cavity helps reduce friction as the lungs expand and contract. |
Define: Pericardial Cavity | The space surrounding the heart, containing pericardial fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats. The pericardial cavity is critical for protecting the heart from damage. |
Define: Mediastinum | The central compartment of the thoracic cavity, located between the lungs, containing the heart, great vessels, and other structures. The mediastinum contains the trachea and esophagus alongside the heart. |
Define: Abdominopelvic Cavity | The combined cavity that includes both the abdominal and pelvic cavities, housing digestive, reproductive, and urinary organs. The abdominopelvic cavity is divided into quadrants for clinical assessment. |
Define: Abdominal Cavity | The portion of the abdominopelvic cavity that contains the majority of the digestive organs, including the stomach and intestines. The abdominal cavity is often examined during a physical assessment. |
Define: Pelvic Cavity | The lower part of the abdominopelvic cavity, containing reproductive organs, the urinary bladder, and part of the large intestine. The pelvic cavity is crucial for reproductive health. |
Define: Peritoneal Cavity | The space within the abdominal cavity that is lined by the peritoneum, containing abdominal organs. Infections can occur in the peritoneal cavity, leading to conditions like peritonitis. |
Define: Retroperitoneal Space | The anatomical space behind the peritoneum that contains the kidneys, adrenal glands, and major blood vessels. The retroperitoneal space is important for the positioning of the kidneys. |
Define: Head (Cephalic Region) | The uppermost part of the body that houses the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Injuries to the cephalic region can affect sensory functions. |
Define: Neck (Cervical Region) | The part of the body that connects the head to the torso, containing vital structures such as the trachea and esophagus. The cervical region supports the head and allows for movement. |
Define: Thorax (Thoracic Region) | The part of the body located between the neck and abdomen, containing the rib cage and vital organs like the heart and lungs. The thoracic region is critical for respiration and circulation. |
Define: Abdomen (Abdominal Region) | The area of the body between the chest and pelvis, containing organs involved in digestion and excretion. The abdominal region houses the stomach and intestines. |
Define: Pelvis (Pelvic Region) | The lower part of the abdomen that supports the reproductive organs and urinary bladder. The pelvic region is essential for childbirth. |
Define: Upper Extremity | The limb region that includes the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand. The upper extremity is used for a wide range of movements. |
Define: Lower Extremity | The limb region that includes the thigh, leg, ankle, and foot. The lower extremity is vital for walking and balance. |
Define: Axillary Region | The area located under the joint where the arm connects to the shoulder, commonly known as the armpit. The axillary region is often examined for lymph nodes. |
Define: Inguinal Region | The area of the body located in the lower lateral part of the abdomen, often referred to as the groin. Pain in the inguinal region may indicate a hernia. |
Define: Lumbar Region | The lower back area, consisting of the five lumbar vertebrae and supporting structures. The lumbar region is a common site for back pain. |
Define: Hypochondriac Region | The upper lateral regions of the abdomen, located beneath the ribs, often associated with abdominal pain. Discomfort in the hypochondriac region can indicate liver issues. |