Anatomy & Physiology An Overview

Divisions Gross Anatomy – observation of large anatomical structures without the use of instrumentation or equipment Gross Anatomy – observation of large anatomical structures without the use of instrumentation or equipment Microscopic Anatomy – Study of cells (cytology)and tissues (histology) Microscopic Anatomy – Study of cells (cytology)and tissues (histology) Radiological Anatomy – noninvasive method of looking inside the body – uses X-rays, Cat scans, MRI’s, PET scans, etc Radiological Anatomy – noninvasive method of looking inside the body – uses X-rays, Cat scans, MRI’s, PET scans, etc

Body Sections Sagittal (“arrow”)– any plane that cuts the body into right and left sides Sagittal (“arrow”)– any plane that cuts the body into right and left sides –Midsagittal – plane that divides equally –Parasagittal – plane that divides unequally

Midsaggital Parasaggital

Transverse – horizontal plane that cuts into upper and lower portions. Transverse – horizontal plane that cuts into upper and lower portions. Frontal (Coronal)– vertical plane that cuts into front and back sections Frontal (Coronal)– vertical plane that cuts into front and back sections

Transverse Coronal (Frontal)

Positional Terms Superior – “above” Superior – “above” Inferior – “below” Inferior – “below” Anterior (ventral on 2 legs))– toward the front Anterior (ventral on 2 legs))– toward the front Posterior (dorsal on 2 legs)– toward the back Posterior (dorsal on 2 legs)– toward the back Medial – toward the midline Medial – toward the midline Lateral – toward the sides Lateral – toward the sides Proximal – closer to the torso Proximal – closer to the torso Distal – farther from the torso Distal – farther from the torso

Body Cavities Cranial – brain cavity Cranial – brain cavity Spinal (vertebral) – spine Spinal (vertebral) – spine Thoracic – heart and lungs Thoracic – heart and lungs Abdominal (sometimes called “abdominopelvic cavity”)– “guts” Abdominal (sometimes called “abdominopelvic cavity”)– “guts”

1)Superior 2)Inferior 3)Medial 4)Lateral 5)Proximal 6)Distal 7)Cranial 8)Caudal 12) Palmar 13) plantar

Levels of Organization Cellular Cellular Tissue Tissue Organ Organ Organ system Organ system Organism Organism

Want some practice on directional terms and such?…… student/anatomydrill/ch1.html