The Human Body: An Orientation

The Language of Anatomy Special terminology is used to prevent misunderstanding Exact terms are used for Position Direction Regions Structures

Anatomical Position Reference position Body erect with arms at sides and palms forward Head and feet point forward Bilateral symmetry = mirror images

Directional Terms When the body is in the anatomical position, directional terms allow medical personnel and anatomists to explain exactly where one body structure is in relation to another.

Directional Terms Table 1.1 (1 of 3)

Directional Terms Table 1.1 (2 of 3)

Directional Terms Table 1.1 (3 of 3)

Let’s Give it a Try The wrist is __________ to the hand. The breastbone is __________ to the spine. The brain is __________ to the spinal cord. The thumb is __________ to the fingers. (Be careful here. Remember the anatomical position.)

Regional Terms Anterior body landmarks Figure 1.5a

Regional Terms Posterior body landmarks Figure 1.5b

Body Planes and Sections A sagittal section divides the body (or organ) into left and right parts A median, or midsagittal, section divides the body (or organ) into equal left and right parts A frontal section divides the body (or organ) into anterior and posterior parts A transverse, or cross, section divides the body (or organ) into superior and inferior parts

Body Planes and Sections Figure 1.6

Body Cavities Dorsal body cavity Cranial cavity houses the brain Spinal cavity houses the spinal cord Ventral body cavity Thoracic cavity houses heart, lungs and others Abdominopelvic cavity houses digestive system and most urinary system organs

Body Cavities Figure 1.7

Abdominopelvic Quadrants Figure 1.8a

Abdominopelvic Regions Figure 1.8b

Abdominopelvic Major Organs Figure 1.8c