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

Which way is up?

Which way is up?

HUH?

What the $@#% is this?

Which way is up?

HUH?

What is this?

Same thing!: Human tongue

What is this?

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

Sagittal Plane

Sagittal Plane  Equal left and right  Mid-Sagittal  Unequal  Para-Sagittal

Transverse Plane

Transverse Plane  Top and Bottom

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

Dorsal

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

Hypodermic Needle