CliffsStudySolver Anatomy & Physiology
Chapter One
Introductory Anatomical
Terminology and
Physiological Concepts
Most of the terms used in anatomy and physiology are of either Greek or Latin origin. (In
fact, the term anatomy is derived from a Greek word that means to "cut open.") These
terms are descriptive, and while they may appear to be rather difficult in the beginning,
they soon will be second nature to you. You'll find yourself speaking the language of anatomy
and physiology in no time.
Directional Terms
Have you ever been in a situation where someone is giving you directions and says something
like this, "When you come to corner, turn right"? When you're coming from one direction, turning
right may be north. Coming from the opposite direction, turning right may be south. It would
be far better to receive directions in this manner, "When you come to the corner, turn north." This
way, no matter which direction you're traveling, north is always north.
The same issue applies when describing various aspects of the body. The following is a list of
terms that are commonly used when discussing the body, and these are accurate terms regardless
how the body is positioned or how you are looking at the body. ... read full excerpt from CliffsStudySolver Anatomy & Physiology ebook
