This glossary is a helpful tool for students to improve their understanding of anatomy. It makes
it easier for students to understand and to remember the correct names of internal organs.
appendix
noun
A tube-shaped sac attached to and opening into the lower end of the large intestine in humans and some other mammals.
Example: Despite its small size, the appendix can sometimes cause significant health issues.
fr: appendice
arteries
noun
Muscular-walled tubes forming part of the circulation system by which blood (mainly that which has been oxygenated) is conveyed from the heart to all parts of the body.
Example: An example of an artery is the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body.
fr: artère
bladder
noun
The bladder is a muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity. It stretches to store urine and contracts to release urine.
Example: Palpation of the gall BLADDER will also indicate a gall BLADDER obstruction and help determine the presence of gall stones
fr: vessie
bone marrow
noun phrase
Bone marrow is a spongy substance found in the center of the bones. It manufactures bone marrow stem cells and other substances, which in turn produce blood cells.
Example: The symptoms of the disease are due to BONE MARROW failure and subsequent immunosuppression.
fr: moelle
brain
noun
The brain is the control center of the nervous system and is located within the skull. Its functions include muscle control and coordination, sensory reception and integration, speech production, memory storage, and the elaboration of thought and emotion.
Example: The brain plays a crucial role in learning.
fr: cerveau
diaphragm
noun
A dome-shaped muscular partition separating the thorax from the abdomen in mammals. It plays a major role in breathing, as its contraction increases the volume of the thorax and so inflates the lungs.
Example: Proper breathing technique engages the diaphragm, which is crucial for effective vocal performance.
fr: diaphragme
gallbladder
noun
Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under your liver that stores and releases bile.
Example: She had to undergo surgery to remove her gallbladder after developing painful gallstones.
fr: vésicule biliaire
heart
noun
The heart is a hollow, muscular organ that pumps blood through the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions.
Example: For patients with HEART disease, warn doctor and hospitals.
fr: coeur
intestines
noun
The intestines are located between the stomach and the anus and are divided into two major sections: the small intestine and the large intestine. The function of the small intestine is to absorb most ingested food. The large intestine is responsible for absorption of water and excretion of solid waste material.
Example: The INTESTINES play a major role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients needed by the body to maintain acceptable levels of nourishment.
fr: intestin
kidneys
noun
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdominal cavity, one on each side of the spinal column. Their function is to maintain the body’s chemical balance by excreting waste products and excess fluid in the form of urine.
Example: There is a hormone that regulates the amounts of sodium and water reabsorbed by the KIDNEYS.
fr: rein
liver
noun
The liver lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. Its main function is to process the contents of the blood to ensure composition remains the same. This process involves breaking down fats, producing urea, filtering harmful substances and maintaining a proper level of glucose in the blood.
Example: These are a series of blood tests that assess how well the liver is working and can help diagnose liver conditions or monitor the effects of medications.
fr: foie
lungs
noun
The lungs are two sponge-like, cone-shaped structures that fill most of the chest cavity. Their essential function is to provide oxygen from inhaled air to the bloodstream and to exhale carbon dioxide.
Example: Taking a deep breath to fill my lungs with fresh air.
fr: poumons
muscles
noun
A band or bundle of fibrous tissue in a human or animal body that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body.
Example: Regular exercise helps build muscle and improve overall strength.
fr: muscle
pancreas
noun
A glandular organ located in the abdomen. It makes pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes that aid in digestion, and it produces several hormones, including insulin.
Example: Managing diabetes often involves monitoring the pancreas's ability to produce insulin.
fr: pancréas
rectum
noun
Your rectum is at the end of your colon and on the other side of your anal canal. This is where your poop collects just before it's ready to come out.
Example: Regular screenings are important for detecting problems in the rectum.
fr: rectum
skeleton
noun
An internal or external framework of bone, cartilage, or other rigid material supporting or containing the body of an animal or plant.
Example: The archaeologists uncovered a well-preserved skeleton from an ancient civilization.
fr: squelette
spleen
noun
An abdominal organ involved in the production and removal of blood cells in most vertebrates and forming part of the immune system.
Example: The spleen plays a crucial role in filtering blood and fighting infections.
fr: la rate
stomach
noun
The stomach is a muscular, elastic, pear-shaped bag, lying crosswise in the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. Its main purpose is digestion of food through production of gastric juices which break down, mix and churn the food into a thin liquid.
Example: After the big meal, I had to lie down to ease the pressure in my stomach.
fr: estomac
thyroid gland
noun phrase
A gland located beneath the larynx (voice box) that makes thyroid hormone and calcitonin.
Example: Symptoms like unexplained weight changes and fatigue may indicate issues with the thyroid gland.
fr: glande thyroïde
veins
noun
Any of the tubes forming part of the blood circulation system of the body, carrying in most cases oxygen-depleted blood toward the heart.
Example: Healthy veins are essential for effective blood circulation throughout the body.
