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Module 1: Medical Terminology & Anatomy Foundations (Draft 2)

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The Launchpad Series:An OTA Student Success Tool

Module 1: Medical Terminology & Anatomy Foundations

GO!

Disclaimer These modules were developed in collaboration between doctoral capstone student Alyssa Antolin from Mary Baldwin University’s Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences and the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Tidewater Community College. These modules were created specifically to support students enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Tidewater Community College. The content is intended to serve as a supplemental resource to reinforce foundational knowledge and promote student success within the program. Students are responsible for adhering to the specific course requirements, materials, and expectations outlined by their individual programs. For guidance regarding examinations, practical assessments, graded assignments, and required study materials, students should consult and communicate directly with their program professors and instructors. These modules do not replace official course instruction or faculty-directed learning resources.

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Welcome & How to Use this Module

Read ALL instructions carefully BEFORE starting the module!

Purpose: This module is intended to serve as a refresher tool to review foundational prerequisite knowledge necessary before entering the OTA program.Module Structure:

  1. This module will take approximately 50 minutes to complete.
  2. If you close the window or tab, your progress will not be saved. You are encouraged to complete the module in one sitting and to take notes on content areas where you feel least confident.
  3. Once a topic is completed and you move on to the next topic, you will not be able to return to the previous topic(s) again until the end of the module.
  4. These modules are paced. The “Next” button will appear after a designated amount of time has been spent on each content page. If you choose to press the “Back” button to review a previous slide, the “Next” button will remain paced and will only reappear after the required time has passed.
  5. Embedded Knowledge Checkpoints are included throughout the module. These are brief questions designed for practice and reinforcement. You may attempt each question as many times as needed until the correct answer is selected. Once the correct answer is chosen, you will be able to proceed; however, you will not be able to return to that question again once it's answered correctly.
  6. An 11 question Comprehensive Knowledge Check will be provided at the end of this module.

Note: There is no penalty associated with scores on the Knowledge Checkpoints or Comprehensive Knowledge Check. These are intended to serve as practice and self-assessment tools only.

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Module 1: Medical Terminology & Anatomy Foundations

Let's review the basics!

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Begin

Topic 1: Planes of the Body

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Planes of the Body

Let's review some familiar terms
Image source: OpenStax

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Knowledge Checkpoint

Please ensure you've reviewed the previous lesson before moving forward as you will not be able to return to the content once you click "Next".

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Back

Planes of the Body

Knowledge Checkpoint

Next

Topic 2: Body Orientation & Directional Terms

Next

Body Orientation & Directional Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

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Back

Body Orientation & Directional Terms

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Image source: OpenStax

Body Orientation & Directional Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

Next

Back

Body Orientation & Directional Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

Note: This video autostarts at the 52 second mark.

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Back

Knowledge Checkpoint

Please ensure you've reviewed the previous lesson before moving forward as you will not be able to return to the content once you click "Next".

Next

Back

Body Orientation & Directional Terms

Knowledge Checkpoint
Image generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Next

Topic 3: Body Regions

Next

The Axial & Appendicular Skeletons

Hover your mouse here!

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Image source: Biga et al. (2025)

The Axial Region - Trunk & Head

Let's review some familiar terms

Image source: Sheffield/GetBodySmart

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The Appendicular Region - Arms & Legs

Let's review some familiar terms
Lower Limb
Upper Limb

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Associated Abbreviations

Let's review some familiar terms

Hover your mouse here for more info on the abdominopelvic quadrants.

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Knowledge Checkpoint

Please ensure you've reviewed the previous lesson before moving forward as you will not be able to return to the content once you click "Next".

Next

Back

Body Regions

Knowledge Checkpoint

Next

Body Regions

Knowledge Checkpoint

Next

Body Regions

Knowledge Checkpoint

Next

Topic 4: Skeletal Foundations

Next

Cranial Bones

Let's review some familiar terms
Hover your mouse here!
Image source: John Hawks Laboratory

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Thorax Bones

Let's review some familiar terms
Hover your mouse here!

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Image source: OpenStax

Arm & Hand Bones

Let's review some familiar terms
Hover your mouse here!

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Image source: Biology LibreTexts: The Upper Limbs

Leg & Foot Bones

Let's review some familiar terms
Hover your mouse here!

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Image source: Biology LibreTexts: Type of Skeletal Systems

Knowledge Checkpoint

Please ensure you've reviewed the previous lesson before moving forward as you will not be able to return to the content once you click "Next".

Next

Back

Skeletal Foundations

Knowledge Checkpoint

Next

Skeletal Foundations

Knowledge Checkpoint

Next

Skeletal Foundations

Knowledge Checkpoint

Next

Topic 5: Movement Terminology

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Movement Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

Click here to watch a video with more information on flexion and extension.

Click here to watch a video with more information on abduction and adduction.

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Back

Movement Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

Click here to watch a video for more information on dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.

Click here to watch a video for more information on inversion and eversion.

Next

Back

Movement Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

Back

Next

Knowledge Checkpoint

Please ensure you've reviewed the previous lesson before moving forward as you will not be able to return to the content once you click "Next".

Next

Back

Movement Terms

Knowledge Checkpoint

Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.

Hip Extension

Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.

Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.

Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.

Shoulder Flexion

Cervical Rotation

Knee Extension

What position are both shoulders in?

What position is the left hip in?

What position is the right knee in?

What position is the neck in?

Title

Title

Title

Title

Write a brief description here

Write a brief description here

Write a brief description here

Write a brief description here

Flip to see the answer

Flip to see the answer

Flip to see the answer

Flip to see the answer

Next

Movement Terms

Knowledge Checkpoint
Image generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Next

Topic 6: Nervous System Foundations

Next

Nervous System Foundations

Let's review some familiar terms

Cervical

Thoracic

Spinal Column

Series of vertebrae supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord

Upper and mid-back region of the spine (T1-T12)

Neck region of the spine (C1-C7)

Sacral

Lumbar

Base of the spine, fused vertebrae above tailbone

Lower back region of spine (L1-L5)

Image source: OpenStax

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Back

Nervous System Foundations

Let's review some familiar terms

Central & Peripheral Nervous System Explained

This video is a mini lesson by Nurse Mike who breaks down the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) into simple concepts. He also provides some helpful neumonic devices you can use to remember these terms. Note: This video autostarts at the 40 second mark.

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Nervous System Foundations

Let's review some familiar terms

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Back

Image source: Guy-Evans (2021)/Simply Psychology.

Knowledge Checkpoint

Please ensure you've reviewed the previous lesson before moving forward as you will not be able to return to the content once you click "Next".

Next

Back

Nervous System Foundations

Knowledge Checkpoint

Next

Nervous System Foundations

Knowledge Checkpoint

Next

Nervous System Foundations

Knowledge Checkpoint

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed!

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed
Image generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed
Image generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed
Images generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed

Next

Comprehensive Knowledge Check

Let's practice what we've reviewed
Image generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI)

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References

  • Betts, J. G., Young, K. A., Wise, J. A., Johnson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J. E., Womble, M., & DeSaix, P. (2022, April 20). Anatomy and Physiology 2e. Openstax.org. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/1-introduction
  • Biga, L. M., Bronson, S., Dawson, S., Harwell, A., Hopkins, R., Kaufmann, J., LeMaster, M., Matern, P., Morrison-Graham, K., Oja, K., Quick, D., Runyeon, J., OpenStax. (2025, September). 7.1 Divisions of the Skeletal System. Anatomy & Physiology 2e. Oregon State University. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from https://open.oregonstate.education/anatomy2e/chapter/divisions-skeletal-system/
  • Dr. Vanessa. (2024, March 14). Ipsilateral vs. Contralateral. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOSrxvMdrxA
  • Guy-Evans, O. (2021, April 23). Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Parts and Function. SimplyPsychology.org. Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/peripheral-nervous-system.html
  • John Hawks Laboratory. (n.d.). Virtual lab: Regions of the Cranium. Hominin.anthropology.wisc.edu. Retrieved February 18, 2026, from https://hominin.anthropology.wisc.edu/virtual-lab-regions-cranium.html
  • National Library of Medicine. (2025). MedlinePlus. Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/
  • OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
  • Proximal & Distal [Anatomical Terms & direction]. (2023). Youtube, REV MED. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1vavl-0larc
  • Sheffield, S. (2022, January 8). Axial Skeleton | GetBodySmart. GetBodySmart. https://www.getbodysmart.com/skeleton-organization/axial-skeleton/
  • SimpleNursing. (2025, August 27). Central & Peripheral Nervous System Explained | CNS vs PNS Nursing Guide | Mini Lesson Series. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeAtrDmRYyg
  • 6.2: The Upper Limbs. (2021, June 13). Biology LibreTexts. https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Human_Biology/Human_Anatomy_Lab/06%3A_The_Appendicular_Skeleton/6.02%3A_The_Upper_Limbs
  • 38.1: Types of Skeletal Systems. (2015, November 2). Biology LibreTexts. https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/General_Biology_1e_(OpenStax)/7%3A_Animal_Structure_and_Function/38%3A_The_Musculoskeletal_System/38.1%3A_Types_of_Skeletal_Systems

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Option 1: Click the "Review" button to review content from all module topics. Option 2: Click the "Next" button to access the module completion page.

Review

Next

Screenshot this page and upload into canvas in order to earn full credit.

Module 1: Medical Terminology & Anatomy Foundations Complete

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This module is complete. You may close out this window or tab and continue to the next module.

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Module 1: Medical Terminology & Anatomy Foundations

Let's review the basics!

Back

Begin

Index

Topic 2

Topic 1

Body orientation & directional terms
Planes of the body

Topic 3

Body regions

Topic 5

Movement Terminology

Topic 6

Nervous system foundations

Topic 4

Skeletal Foundations

Next

Back

Topic 1: Planes of the Body

Next

Back

Planes of the Body

Let's review some familiar terms
Image source: OpenStax

Next

Back

Topic 2: Body Orientation & Directional Terms

Next

Back

Body Orientation & Directional Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

Next

Back

Body Orientation & Directional Terms

Next

Back

Image source: OpenStax

Body Orientation & Directional Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

Next

Back

Body Orientation & Directional Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

Note: this video autostarts at the 52 second mark.

Next

Back

Topic 3: Body Regions

Next

Back

The Axial & Appendicular Skeletons

Next

Back

Image source: Biga et al. (2025)

The Axial Region - Trunk & Head

Let's review some familiar terms

Image source: Sheffield/GetBodySmart

Next

Back

The Appendicular Region - Arms & Legs

Let's review some familiar terms
Lower Limb
Upper Limb

Next

Back

Associated Abbreviations

Let's review some familiar terms

Hover your mouse here for more info on the abdominopelvic quadrants.

Next

Back

Topic 4: Skeletal Foundations

Next

Back

Cranial Bones

Let's review some familiar terms
Hover your mouse here!
Image source: John Hawks Laboratory

Next

Back

Thorax Bones

Let's review some familiar terms
Hover your mouse here!

Next

Back

Image source: OpenStax

Arm & Hand Bones

Let's review some familiar terms
Hover your mouse here!

Next

Back

Image source: Biology LibreTexts: The Upper Limbs

Leg & Foot Bones

Let's review some familiar terms
Hover your mouse here!

Next

Back

Image source: Biology LibreTexts: Type of Skeletal Systems

Topic 5: Movement Terminology

Next

Back

Movement Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

Click here to watch a video with more information on flexion and extension.

Click here to watch a video with more information on abduction and adduction.

Next

Back

Movement Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

Click here to watch a video for more information on dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.

Click here to watch a video for more information on inversion and eversion.

Next

Back

Movement Terms

Let's review some familiar terms

Back

Next

Movement Terms

Knowledge Checkpoint

Hip Extension

Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.

Cervical Rotation

Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.

Shoulder Flexion

Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.

Knee Extension

Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.

What position are both shoulders in?

What position are both knees in?

What position is the left hip in?

What position is the neck in?

Title

Title

Title

Title

Write a brief description here

Write a brief description here

Write a brief description here

Write a brief description here

Flip to see the answer

Flip to see the answer

Flip to see the answer

Flip to see the answer

Next

Back

Topic 6: Nervous System Foundations

Next

Back

Spine & Back

Let's review some familiar terms

Cervical

Thoracic

Spinal Column

Series of vertebrae supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord

Upper and mid-back region of the spine (T1-T12)

Neck region of the spine (C1-C7)

Sacral

Lumbar

Base of the spine, fused vertebrae above tailbone

Lower back region of spine (L1-L5)

Image source: OpenStax

Next

Back

Nervous System Foundations

Let's review some familiar terms

Central & Peripheral Nervous System Explained

This video is a mini lesson by Nurse Mike who breaks down the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) into simple concepts. He also provides some helpful neumonic devices you can use to remember these terms. Note: This video autostarts at the 40 second mark.

Next

Back

Nervous System Foundations

Let's review some familiar terms

Next

Back

Image source: Guy-Evans (2021)/Simply Psychology.