Anatomical names of skeletal processes--analysis and classification of Latin names, and comparison with corresponding Japanese names

摘要

For better understanding of the structures comprising the human body and in view of possible need for future revision, Latin anatomical names (Nomina Anatomica, 3rd edition) of the skeletal processes were analyzed and classified, and compared with the corresponding Japanese anatomical names. The words following Processus indicated: 1) morphological resemblance of the process; 2) the structure to which the process belongs; 3) location of the process; 4) direction of the process; 5) an articulation of the process; 6) the bone or one of the bones with which the process is connected; 7) the structure of which the process is a component; 8) the structure attached to the process; 9) the structure contained in the process; 10) homology of the process; 11) participation in another process; or 12) other uncertain information. Comparison between Latin and Japanese anatomical names clarified some characteristics of each name and revealed some problems in Japanese names.