Medical terminologyIt is better to know the meanings of some commonly used anatomical terms and medical terminology. The positions of organs are described in relation to each other. All the terms are used with reference to the anatomical position-person standing erect looking straight ahead, feet together, upper limbs by the side of the body with the palms facing forwards. Afferent nerves carry impulses from various tissues to the brain. They are responsible for transmitting various sensations like pain, itching, burning etc. Anatomical planes are imaginary planes either horizontal or vertical across the body to describe the structure at a given position. A dead body is cut along various planes to understand the position of organs in relation to each other. Anterior means towards the front of the body. For example the breast bone is situated anterior to the vertebral column. Artery is a blood vessel (like pipe carrying water) which carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the various tissues. The exception is pulmonary artery which carries deoxygenated blood from heart to lungs. Caudal means towards the feet (inferior). Cardiac means pertaining to the heart eg. Cardiac disease, cardiac function. Cardiology is that branch of medicine which deals with diseases of the heart. Cardiologist is one who is specialized in cardiology. Coronal or frontal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. In this plane we can see which part is superior and which one is inferior. Cranial means towards the head (superior). Distal is the opposite of proximal. Elbow joint is distal to shoulder joint. Dorsal means relating to the back. It is used as a synonym for posterior. Efferent nerves carry impulses from the brain to the other organs. They transmit the commands from the brain. Inferior means lower and is the opposite of superior-for example the diaphragm is inferior to the heart and lungs. Inflammation is the reaction of tissue to any injury. It is characterized by redness, swelling, local rise of temperature and pain. Lateral means away from the mid-line of the body. Thumb is lateral to the index finger. Ligaments are tough fibrous bands which join two bones or support organs. They are mostly made up of a protein called collagen. Medial means closer to the mid-line of the body. The index finger is medial to the thumb. Median plane is a sagittal plane at exactly the midline of the body and divides it into right and left halves. Nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidneys. Nerve is somewhat like an electrical cable. It is made up of extensions of neurons called axons and dendrites enclosed in a sheath called myelin sheath. Nerves carry electrical impulses from and to the brain. Neuron is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system. Ophthalmology is that branch of medicine concerned with diseases of the eye. Posterior means towards the back and is the opposite of anterior. The vertebral column is posterior to the breast bone (sternum). Prone position is the opposite of supine. In this a person is lying on his abdomen with his back facing up. Proximal means near the origin or point of attachment. Shoulder joint is proximal to elbow joint. Reflex action is one which is involuntary and occurs immediately in response to some stimulus. Sagittal plane is a plane from front to back and divides the body into right and left. Superior means towards the top of the body. Heart and lungs are superior to the diaphragm. Supine position is one in which a person is lying down with his face upwards. Transverse plane is a horizontal plane and divides the body into upper and lower portions. It can be taken at various levels and shows anterior posterior and medial lateral positions of various parts. Vein is a blood vessel carrying deoxygenated blood from various tissues to the heart. The exception being the pulmonary veins which carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. Ventral means relating to front. It can be used instead of anterior.
Page last reviewed on 2nd December 2009
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