Key Points
Key Points
- Anatomical position refers to the body in an upright position, facing forward with feet slightly apart and flat on the ground, and arms at the sides of the body with palms facing forward.
- Directional terms are important for clear description of the position of an area or structure in relation to the body or another area or structure and are often used in the context of anatomical position. Directional terms include superior/inferior; anterior/posterior; medial/lateral; proximal/distal; superficial/deep.
- The body and organs may be cut along invisible lines, or planes, resulting in different sections. Common planes are sagittal, coronal and transverse.
- Common roots, prefixes and suffixes contribute to the makeup of medical terminology. The root is the base of the word, such as ‘tonsil’. The prefix is a term added to the beginning of a term to change its meaning, such as ‘antibacterial’, ‘anti’ meaning attack or treating. The suffix is a term added to the end of a term to change its meaning, such as ‘tonsillitis’, ‘itis’ meaning inflammation.
- Homeostasis is a self-regulating process by which equilibrium is maintained and changing conditions are adjusted for by biological systems. Receptors detect stimulus in the internal or external environment that affect the equilibrium and return of the system to the set point is accomplished using positive or negative feedback loops. Negative feedback reverses the detected change, while positive feedback promotes the changed state. Thermoregulation is an example of a negative feedback loop, as an increase or a reduction in the core body temperature away from the set point stimulates mechanisms (i.e., shivering or sweating) to return the body to equilibrium
