The Language of Anatomy Anatomical Position, Directional Terms, and Body Planes and Sections

Finding your way…. Anatomy is not very different from traveling…

Finding your way…. Anatomy is not very different from traveling… Need a correct and current map Need to know where you are (point of reference) Need a common language

Finding your way…. Anatomy is not very different from traveling… Need a correct and current map Need to know where you are (point of reference) Need a common language

What is this?

Body Planes and Sections Left/Right Top Part/Bottom Part Front/Back

Sagittal Plane

Transverse Plane

Coronal (Frontal) Plane Front and Back

Oblique Plane

Anatomical Position EVERYONE STAND UP! Stand erect, feet parallel, eyes forward Palms facing FORWARD

Anatomical Position EVERYONE STAND UP! Stand erect, feet parallel, eyes forward Palms facing FORWARD In the case of a cadaver, lying on back, palms up

Right vs. Left IT’S THE SUBJECT’S RIGHT OR LEFT!! IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PATIENT

Superior (cranial)/Inferior(caudal) Superior (cranial) Toward the head Upper part (above) Inferior (caudal) Away from head Lower part (below)

Superior (cranial)/Inferior(caudal) Example: Lungs and Liver Small Intestines and Stomach

Anterior (ventral)/Posterior(dorsal) Anterior (ventral) Front of body In front of Posterior (dorsal) Toward back of body Behind

Anterior (ventral)/Posterior(dorsal) Example Ribs and Spine Occipital Bone and Frontal Bone

Lateral/Medial Lateral Away from midline Medial Toward midline

Lateral/Medial Example Lungs and Heart Trachea and Clavicles

Intermediate = Between Example Clavicle is intermediate to the scapula and the sternum

Proximal/Distal Proximal Close to Distal Far from IN RELATION TO THE TRUNK OF THE BODY!

Proximal Scapula and Humorous

Distal Wrist (carpals) and Elbow

Superficial(external)/ Deep(internal) Epidermis and Dermis Hypodermis and Dermis