1. The Human Body
Chapter 4

2. Anatomical Terms Flexion vs. Extension
Flexion describes bending movement
Bicep is the flexor muscle
Extension is the straightening movement
Tricep is the extensor muscle

3. Anatomical Position
You may have to describe a person’s body position to the emergency medical dispatcher (EMD).
Anatomical position is the basis for all medical terms that refer to the body
The person stands with the body straight up and arms down at the sides, palms facing forward
Always reference the person’s right or left side rather than your own

4. Supine Position
Refers to the person lying face-up on their back

5. Prone Position
Refers to the person lying face-down on their stomach

6. Lateral Recumbent Position
Refers to the person lying on their right or left side

7. Fowler’s Position
Refers to the person lying on their back with the upper body elevated at a degree angle

8. Body Cavities Hollow space in the body containing organs
Five major cavities:
Cranial
Spinal
Thoracic
Abdominal
Pelvic

9. Body Cavities
Cranial cavity - Located in the head, contains the brain, and is protected by the skull
Spinal cavity - Extends from the bottom of the skull to the lower back, contains the spinal cord, and is protected by the vertebrae
Thoracic cavity - Located between the diaphragm and neck, contains the heart and lungs, and is protected by the rib cage
Abdominal cavity - Located between the diaphragm and pelvis, contains the liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, and intestines
Pelvic cavity - Located in the pelvis, contains the bladder and reproductive organs of females, protected by the pelvic bones

10. Musculoskeletal System
Includes bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons
Main functions:
Provide the body’s framework
Protect internal organs
Allow movement
Produce heat
Manufacture blood components

11. Respiratory System Includes airways, lungs, and diaphragm
Primary functions:
Supply the blood with oxygen and remove waste

12. Circulatory System Includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels
Main functions:
Transport nutrients and oxygen to body cells

13. Nervous System Includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves
One of two primary regulatory systems and transmits messages to and from the brain

14. Integumentary System Includes the skin, hair, and nails
Part of the body’s communication network
Main functions:
Helps prevent infection and dehydration
Temperature regulation
Aids in the production of certain vitamins

15. Endocrine System Made up of glands Main functions:
Secretes hormones and other substances into the blood and onto skin

16. Digestive System
Includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines
Main functions:
Breaks down food into a usable form to supply energy to the rest of the body
Works with the circulatory system to transports nutrients to the body

17. Genitourinary System
Includes the uterus, genitalia, kidneys, and bladder
Main functions:
Performs the process of reproduction
Removes waste from the circulatory system
Regulates water balance