Janet Rae-Dupree

To successfully study anatomy and physiology, you'll want to understand all the Latin and Greek roots, prefixes and suffixes. Also, make sure to get a good foundational knowledge of anatomic cavities, anatomic positions (standard positions when looking at an anatomical drawing), and anatomic planes.Latin and Greek in anatomy and physiologyScience, especially medicine, is permeated with Latin and Greek terms.

Atoms tend to arrange themselves in the most stable patterns possible, which means that they have a tendency to complete or fill their outermost electron orbits. They join with other atoms to do just that. The force that holds atoms together in collections known as molecules is referred to as a chemical bond. There are two main types and some secondary types of chemical bonds:Ionic bondIonic bonding involves a transfer of an electron, so one atom gains an electron while one atom loses an electron.

Whereas the axial skeleton lies along the body’s central axis, the appendicular skeleton’s 126 bones include those in all four appendages — arms and legs — plus the two primary girdles to which the appendages attach: the pectoral (chest) girdle and the pelvic (hip) girdle. The pectoral girdle is made up of a pair of clavicles, or collarbones, which attach to the sternum medially and to the scapula laterally articulating with the acromion process, a bony prominence at the top of each of the pair of scapulae, better known as shoulder blades.

The study of muscles is called myology after the Greek word mys, which means “mouse.” Muscles perform a number of functions vital to maintaining life, including Movement: Skeletal muscles (those attached to bones) convert chemical energy into mechanical work, producing movement ranging from finger tapping to a swift kick of a ball by contracting, or shortening.

Whenever you see an anatomical drawing, like the one below, you’re looking at the anatomic position. This standard position (standing straight, looking forward, arms at your side, and facing forward) keeps everyone on the same page when you’re talking anatomy and physiology. Keep this list handy of anatomic d

When you’re talking anatomy and physiology, the body is divided into sections, usually three planes. Separating the body into sections, or cuts, let’s you know which body half is being explained. The anatomic planes are: Frontal or coronal: Divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) Sagit

Science, especially medicine, is permeated with Latin and Greek terms. Latin names are used for every part of the body; and since the Greeks are the founders of modern medicine, Greek terms are common in medical terminology, as well. Latin and Greek roots This table represents some common Latin and Greek root

Your body’s cavities are basically the “holes” that would be left (besides bones and tissues forming the space) if you removed your internal organs. Your body has two main cavities; the dorsal and ventral. Ventral cavity: Extends from just under the chin to the pelvic area, encompassing the thoracic cavity, d

Think people know everything there is to know about human anatomy? Think again. Researchers announced the discovery of two new body parts in 2013 alone. The first new anatomical feature was announced in June, when a previously unknown layer was discovered in the eye’s cornea. Now called Dua’s Layer after Prof.