Category: An-An

Amnesia in which the loss of memory relates to events that occur after a traumatic event. There is inability to recall new information. Old information can be recalled. Antegrade amnesia may follow brain trauma. Also called antegrade amnesia. This type of amnesia is in contrast to retrograde amnesia in which the lack of memory relates to events…

Moving forward or extending forward. Anterograde memory is memory for what occurs after an event such as an accident. Also called antegrade. From the Latin antero- + gredior (to step or go).

Prefix signifying before, earlier, front. From the Latin anterior meaning before.

The front two-thirds of the tongue. In contrast to the base of the tongue, which is the back third. The distinction between the anterior and base of the tongue reflects the fact that they are of different embryological origin. The distinction also matters as regards cancer. Malignancy of the tongue; squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Risk factors include smoking tobacco, smokeless…

The use of traditional external photography for photo documentation of structures of the eye and adnexa. Fundus photography involves the use of a camera to photograph the regions of the vitreous, retina, choroid, and optic nerve.

The front portion of the pituitary, a small gland in the head called the master gland. Hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary influence growth, sexual development, skin pigmentation, thyroid function, and adrenocortical function. These influences are exerted through the effects of pituitary hormones on other endocrine glands except for growth hormone which acts directly on…

A ligament in the knee that crosses from the underside of the femur (the thigh bone) to the top of the tibia (the bigger bone in the lower leg). Abbreviated ACL. Injuries to the ACL can occur in a number of situations, including sports, and can be quite serious, requiring surgery. The anterior cruciate ligaments,…

A knee injury involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL runs diagonally deep inside the knee from the center of rotation of the end of the femur (the thigh bone) to the top of the tibia (the larger bone in the lower leg). Females are seven times more likely to suffer an ACL injury than their…

The space in the eye that is behind the cornea and in front of the iris. The cornea is the outer, transparent, dome-like structure that covers the iris, pupil, and the anterior chamber. The iris is the colored ring of tissue suspended behind the cornea and immediately in front of the lens; it regulates the amount of light entering…

The front, as opposed to the posterior. The anterior surface of the heart is toward the breast bone (the sternum). For a more complete listing of terms used in medicine for spatial orientation, please see the entry to “Anatomic Orientation Terms”.