VBMS 307 Terminology and Directional Terms

Aponeurosis

A broad, sheet-like tendon

Circumduction

Movement of a limb to outline a circle

Condyle

A rounded projection on a bone usually for articulation with another bone.

Contralateral

On the opposite side

Crest

A ridge

Diaphysis (body or shaft)

The portion of a long bone between the ends or extremities

Distal

Farther from the origin or point of attachment

Ectopic

Arising or produced at an abnormal site or in a tissue where it is not normally found.

Eminence

A projection

Epicondyle

An eminence on top of a bone, above the condyle

Extension

Increasing the angle of a joint

Fascicle

A small bundle or cluster

Flexion

Decreasing the angle of a joint

Foramen

An opening or passage

Fossa

A large depressed area

Fovea

A small pit or depression

Funiculus

A large bundle or cord-like structure

Ipsilateral

On the same side

Meatus

An opening or passage

Ostium

An opening or passage

Pronate

To rotate the antebrachium to make the palm face downward

Proximal

Nearest to the point of attachment or origin

Sesamoid

A small nodular bone embedded in a tendon or joint capsule

Supinate

To rotate the antebrachium to make the palm face upward

Suture

A line uniting two bones, usually of the skull

Symphysis

A type of joint in which the surface of two articulating bones is covered with cartilage, separated by a plate of fibrocartilage

Tubercle

A small, rounded projection

Tuberosity

An elevation or protuberance; larger than a tubercle

Tuber

A swelling or protuberance; larger than a tuberosity

Abaxial

Situated way from the axis of the body, limb, or part

Abduction

To move away from the median plane of the body

Adduction

To move toward the median plane of the body

Axial

Situated the midline of the body, limb, or part

Caudal

Directional term pertaining to the "tail end" of the body

Cranial

Directional term pertaining to the "head end" of the body

Deep

Situated below the surface

Dorsal

Directed toward or situated on the "back" surface

Lateral

Denotes a position farther away from the median plane or midline

Medial

Pertaining to or situated along the midline

Rostral

Directed toward the front of the head (nose or beak)

Superficial

Situated on or near the surface

Ventral

Directed or situated toward the abdomen

Dorsal plane

The plane dividing the body or structure dorsally and ventrally

Median plane

The plane splitting the body or structure into right and left halves, along the midline

Midsagittal plane

The plane splitting the body or structure into right and left halves, along the midline

Sagittal plane

A plane parallel to the median plane of the body

Transverse plane

The plane situated perpendicular to the long axis of the body or structure