Click on any of the terms below to hear the pronunciation. Information in parenthesis after the term may or may not be included in the audio.
abdominal Pertaining to the abdomen.
abdominal cavity The superior portion of the abdominopelvic cavity.
abdominopelvic cavity A ventral cavity consisting of the abdominal and pelvic cavities. It contains digestive, urinary, and reproductive organs.
adipose tissue A type of connective tissue. Also called fat. It stores energy and provides protective padding for underlying structures.
anterior Directional term meaning near or on the front or belly side of the body.
apex Directional term meaning tip or summit.
base Directional term meaning bottom or lower part.
bone A type of connective tissue and an organ of the musculoskeletal system. They provide support for the body and serve as sites of muscle attachments.
brain The brain is one of the largest organs in the body and coordinates most body activities. It is the center for all thought, memory, judgment, and emotion. Each part of the brain is responsible for controlling different body functions, such as temperature regulation and breathing. The four sections to the brain are the cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalon, and brain stem.
cardiac muscle The involuntary muscle found in the heart.
cardiovascular system (CV) System that transports blood to all areas of the body. Organs of the cardiovascular system include the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries). Also called the circulatory system.
cartilage strong flexible connective tissue found in several locations in the body, such as covering the ends of bones in a synovial joint, nasal septum, external ear, eustachian tube, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and the intervertebral discs.
caudal Directional term meaning toward the feet or tail, or below.
cell The basic unit of all living things. All tissues and organs in the body are composed of cells. They perform survival functions such as reproduction, respiration, metabolism, and excretion. Some cells are also able to carry on specialized functions, such as contraction by muscle cells specialized functions, such as contraction by muscle cells and electrical impulse transmission by nerve cells.
cephalic Directional term meaning toward the head, or above.
certified medical assistant (CMA) Performs various duties in the physician's office including front office management and assisting with medical duties.
cervical Pertaining to the neck.
connective tissue The supporting and protecting tissue in body structures. Examples are fat or adipose tissue, cartilage, and bone.
coronal plane A vertical plane that divides the body into front (anterior or ventral) and back (posterior or dorsal) sections. Also called the frontal plane.
cranial Pertaining to the skull.
cranial cavity A dorsal body cavity. It is within the skull and contains the brain.
cytology The study of cells.
deep Directional term meaning away from the surface of the body.
dermatology The branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the integumentary system.
diaphragm The major muscle of inspiration. It separates the thoracic from the abdominal cavity.
digestive system System that digests food and absorbs nutrients. Organs include the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, and anus. Also called the gastrointestinal system.
distal Directional term meaning located farthest from the point of attachment to the body.
doctor of medicine (MD) Physicians examine patients, diagnose diseases, order treatments, perform surgery, and educate patients; also called allopathic physicians.
doctor of osteopathy (DO) Emphasizes the role of the musculoskeletal system in the health of the body; examines patients, diagnoses diseases, orders treatments, performs surgery, and educates patients.
dorsal Directional term meaning near or on the back or spinal cord side of the body.
ear The sensory organ for hearing.
endocrine system The body system that consists of glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood stream. The endocrine glands include the adrenal glands, parathyroid glands, pancreas, pituitary gland, testes, ovaries, thymus gland, and thyroid gland.
endocrinology The branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the endocrine system.
epigastric Pertaining to above the stomach. An anatomical division of the abdomen, the middle section of the upper row.
epithelial Pertaining to the epithelium.
epithelial tissue Tissue found throughout the body as the skin, the outer covering of organs, and the inner lining for tubular or hollow structures.
eye The sensory organs for vision.
female reproductive system System responsible for producing eggs for reproduction and provides place for growing baby. Organs include ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and mammary glands.
frontal plane A vertical plane that divides the body into front (anterior or ventral) and back (posterior or dorsal) sections. Also called the coronal plane.
gastroenterology Branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the gastrointestinal system.
gynecology Branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the female reproductive system.
hematic system The system that consists of plasma and blood cells-erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets; responsible for transporting oxygen, protecting against pathogens, and controlling bleeding.
hematology Branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the hematic system.
histology The study of tissues.
horizontal plane A horizontal plane that divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) sections. Also called the transverse plane.
hypogastric Pertaining to below the stomach. An anatomical division of the abdomen, the middle section of the bottom row.
immunology Branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the lymphatic and immune systems.
inferior Directional term meaning toward the feet or tail, or below.
integumentary system The skin and its appendages including sweat glands, oil glands, hair, and nails. Sense organs that allow us to respond to changes in temperature, pain, tough, and pressure are located in the skin. It is the largest organ in the body.
lateral (lat) Directional term meaning to the side.
left hypochondriac An anatomical division of the abdomen, the left side of the upper row.
left iliac An anatomical division of the abdomen, the left side of the upper row.
left lower quadrant (LLQ) A clinical division of the abdomen. It contains portions of small and large intestines, left ovary and fallopian tube, and left ureter.
left lumbar An anatomical division of the abdomen, the left side of the middle row.
left upper quadrant (LUQ) A clinical division of the abdomen. It contains the left lobe of the liver, spleen, stomach, portion of the pancreas, and portion of small and large intestines.
lymphatic system System that helps the body fight infection. Organs include the spleen, lymph vessels, and lymph nodes.
male reproductive system System responsible for producing sperm for reproduction; organs include testes, vas deferens, urethra, prostate gland, and penis.
medial Directional term meaning to the middle or near the middle of the body or the structure.
median plane Plane that runs lengthwise from front to back and divides the body or any of its parts into right and left portions; also called the sagittal plane.
mediastinum The central region of the chest cavity. It contains the organs between the lungs, including the heart, aorta, esophagus, and trachea.
mucous membranes These membranes line body passages that open directly to the exterior of the body, such as the mouth and reproductive tract, and secrete a thick substance, or mucus.
muscle tissue Tissue that is able to contract and shorten its length, thereby producing movement. Muscle tissue may be under voluntary control (attached to the bones) or involuntary control (heart and digestive organs).
muscular Pertaining to muscles.
musculoskeletal system (MS) System that provides support for the body and produces movement. Organs of the musculoskeletal system includes muscles, tendons, bones, joints, cartilage.
nephrology Branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the urinary system.
nerves Structures in the nervous system that conduct electrical impulses from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and other organs.
nervous system System that coordinates all the conscious and subconscious activities of the body. Organs include the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
nervous tissue Nervous tissue conducts electrical impulses to and from the brain and the rest of the body.
neural Pertaining to nerves.
neurology Branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the nervous system.
neuron The name for an individual nerve cell. Neurons group together to form nerves and other nervous tissue.
neurosurgery Branch of medicine specializing in surgery on the nervous system.
obstetrics (OB) Branch of medicine that treats women during pregnancy and childbirth, and immediately after childbirth.
ophthalmology Branch of medicine specializing in condition of the eye.
organ A group of different types of tissue coming together to perform special functions. For example, the heart contains muscular fibers, nerve tissue, and blood vessels
organism A whole, living individual. The sum all the cells, tissues, organs, and systems working together to sustain life.
orthopedic surgery The branch of medicine specializing in surgical treatments of the musculoskeletal system.
orthopedics Branch of medicine specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
otorhinolaryngology Branch of medicine that treats diseases of the ears, nose, and throat. Also referred to as ENT.
parietal Term meaning the outermost layer.
parietal peritoneum The outer layer of the serous membrane sac lining the abdominopelvic cavity.
parietal pleura The outer layer of the serous membrane sac lining the thoracic cavity.
pelvic Pertaining to the pelvis.
pelvic cavity The inferior portion of the abdominopelvic cavity.
pericardial cavity Cavity formed by the serous membrane sac surrounding the heart.
peritoneum Membranous sac that lines the abdominal cavity and encases the abdominopelvic organs. The kidneys are an exception since they lay outside the peritoneum and alongside the vertebral column.
physician assistant (PA) Performs many of the tasks traditionally performed by physicians, such as conducting physical examinations, ordering tests and treatments, making diagnoses, counseling patients, assisting in surgery, and writing prescriptions.
pleura A protective double layer of serous membrane around the lungs. The parietal membrane is the outer layer and the visceral layer is the inner membrane. It secretes a thin, watery fluid to reduce friction associated with lung movement.
pleural cavity Cavity formed by the serous membrane sac surrounding the lungs.
posterior Directional term meaning near or on the back or spinal cord side of the body.
proctology Branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the lower gastrointestinal system.
prone Directional term meaning lying horizontally facing downward.
proximal Directional term meaning located closest to the point of attachment to the body.
pulmonology Branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the respiratory system.
respiratory system System that brings oxygen into the lungs and expels carbon dioxide. Organs include the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchial tubes, and lungs.
right hypochondriac An anatomical division of the abdomen; the right upper row.
right iliac An anatomical division of the abdomen; the right lower row. Also called the right inguinal.
right lower quadrant (RLQ) A clinical division of the abdomen. It contains portions of small and large intestines, right ovary and fallopian tube, appendix, right ureter.
right lumbar An anatomical division of the abdomen, the right middle row.
right upper quadrant (RUQ) A clinical division of the abdomen. It contains the right lobe of the liver, the gallbladder, a portion of the pancreas, and portions of small and large intestine.
sagittal plane A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right sections.
serous membrane These membranes are found lining body cavities and secrete a thin, watery fluid that acts as a lubricant as organs rub against one another.
skeletal muscle A voluntary muscle that is attached to bones by a tendon.
skin The major organ of the integumentary system. It forms a barrier between the external and internal environments.
smooth muscle An involuntary muscle found in internal organs such as the digestive organs or blood vessels.
somatic Pertaining to the body
spinal Pertaining to the spine.
spinal cavity A dorsal body cavity within the spinal column that contains the spinal cord.
superficial Directional term meaning toward the surface of the body.
superior Directional term meaning toward the head, or above.
supine Directional term meaning lying horizontally and facing upward.
system A system is composed of several organs working in a compatible manner to perform a complex function or functions. Examples include the digestive system, the cardiovascular system, and the respiratory system.
systemic Pertaining to a system.
thoracic Pertaining to the chest.
thoracic cavity A ventral body cavity in the chest area that contains the lungs and heart.
thoracic surgery Branch of medicine specializing in surgery on the respiratory system and thoracic cavity.
tissues Tissues are formed when cells of the same type are grouped to perform one activity. For example, nerve cells combine to form nerve fibers. There are four types of tissue: nerve, muscle, epithelial, and connective.
transverse plane A horizontal plane that divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) sections. Also called the horizontal plane.
umbilical An anatomical division of the abdomen; the middle section of the middle row.
urinary system System that filters wastes from the blood and excretes the waste products in the form of urine. Organs include the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.
urology Branch of medicine specializing in conditions of the urinary system and male reproductive system.
ventral Directional term meaning near or on the front or belly side of the body.
viscera The name for the internal organs of the body, such as the lungs, stomach, and liver.
visceral Pertaining to the viscera or internal organs.
visceral layer The inner pleural layer. It adheres to the surface of the lung.
visceral peritoneum The inner layer of the serous membrane sac encasing the abdominopelvic viscera.
visceral pleura The inner layer of the serous membrane sac encasing the thoracic viscera.
