Vocabulary, Anatomical Directional Terms and Proximal plus Distal

Gross anatomy

An anatomy that can be seen by the eye by expectation or dissection.

Median Sagittal plane

An imaginary line dividing the body vertically down the front into right and left halves.

Proximal

Close or nearer to the point of attachment or origin.

Transverse plane

Divides the body horizontally into an upper part and a lower part.

Frontal plane

Divides the body into front and back portions.

Distal

Far or farther from the point of attachment or origin .

Lateral

Refers to anything away from the midline.

Medial

Refers to anything located toward the midline.

Cytology

Study of cells.

Pathology

Study of disease process of the body.

Histology

Study of microscopic tissue.

Physiology

Study of the function of cells tissues and organs.

Anatomy

Study of the physical structure of the body and organs.

Microscopic anatomy

To see anatomy with a scope cannot be seen unless you use a microscope.