BASIC ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY

ANATOMICAL POSITION the subject stands erect facing the observer, the upper extremities are placed at the sides, the palms of the hands are turned forward, and the feet are flat on the floor.

THE reference point from which all parts of the body are named - Standing erect - Eyes direct straight forward (and level) - Feet positioned slightly apart with heels close together, the toes directly laterally - Hands at sides -- Palms facing forward -- Thumbs directed laterally -- Fingers extended

REGIONAL NAMES Are names given to specific regions of the body for reference. cranial (skull), thoracic (chest), brachial (arm), patellar (knee), cephalic (head), gluteal (buttock)

PLANES Planes are imaginary flat surfaces that are used to divide the body or organs into definite areas & include: Frontal = vertical, divides body into anterior/ventral or posterior/dorsal portions. Sagittal = vertical, divides body into right and left sides A. Midsagittal = straight down the middle

PLANES CONTINUED 3. Transverse = horizontal, divides body into superior (upper) or inferior (lower) portions.

DIRECTIONAL TERMS Directional terms are used to precisely locate one part of the body relative to another.

DIRECTIONAL TERMS Superior/Cephalic/Cranial = head Inferior/Caudal = tail Anterior/Ventral/Rostral = front Posterior/Dorsal = back Superficial =toward surface Deep = away from surface

DIRECTIONAL TERMS Medial = toward midline Lateral = away from midline Intermediate = between 2 points Proximal = near origin Distal = away from origin

AREAS Cranial = Head & Neck Trunk Extremities (or limbs) Thorax Abdomen Pelvis & Perineum Extremities (or limbs) Upper Lower