INTRODUCTION
Anatomical position: all the anatomical descriptions are based on a position in which the man is standing, with his face & palms of hands directed forward & the feet are close to each other.
Anatomical planes & directions: Median (sagittal) plane: a vertical plane which divides the body at the midline into Rt & Lt equal halfs. According to this plane & the planes parallel to it (paramedian or parasagittal planes) the body is divided into medial (near the midline) & lateral (away from midline). Coronal plane: a vertical plane which divides the body into anterior (in front of the plane) & posterior (behind the plane). Transverse (horizontal) plane: which divides the body into superior (upper) & inferior (lower) parts.
Anatomical descriptions: In addition to the previous terms, others could be used as: Superficial & deep: near or away from the surface. External & internal: outside or inside. Proximal & distal: near or away from the trunk.
Terms of movements: Flexion & extension: moving 2 ventral surfaces towards or away from each other. Adduction & abduction: movement towards or away from midline. Medial & lateral rotations: moving the anterior side towards or away from the midline. N.B.: other terms of movements may be used in specific sites.
SKIN & FASCIA
Skin Functions: It is formed of 2 layers: Epidermis: outer tough layer. Dermis: inner layer containing hair follicles, sweat glands, nerves, blood vessels & lymphatics. Functions: Protection from external environment. Sensations. Regulation of body temperature.
Superficial fascia Functions: Formed of loose connective tissue & fat. It also contains nerves, blood vessels & lymphatics, transmitting it to skin. It is abscent in specific sites, e.g.: eye lids & scrotum. Functions: Fat store. Regulation of body temperature (fat prevent heat loss). In females, it contains the mammary gland forming the breast.
Deep fascia It is fromed of dense connective tissue, to surround the deeper structures. It is well developed in limbs, especially around the joints (to grasp the different structures passing) & in the palm of hand & sole of foot (for protection). It is poorly developed in sites which nead expansion, e.g.: face & thoracic & abdominal walls.