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?

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. LeftIT’S THE SUBJECT’S RIGHT OR LEFT!!

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PATIENT

Superior (cranial)/Inferior(caudal)

Superior (cranial)Toward the headUpper part (above)

Inferior (caudal)Away from headLower part (below)

Superior (cranial)/Inferior(caudal)

Example:

Lungs and Liver

Small Intestines and Stomach

Anterior (ventral)/Posterior(dorsal)

Anterior (ventral)Front of bodyIn front of

Posterior (dorsal)Toward back of bodyBehind

Anterior (ventral)/Posterior(dorsal)

ExampleRibs and SpineOccipital Bone and

Frontal Bone

Lateral/Medial

LateralAway from midline

MedialToward midline

Lateral/Medial

ExampleLungs and

HeartTrachea and

Clavicles

Intermediate = Between

ExampleClavicle is

intermediate to the scapula and the sternum

Proximal/Distal

ProximalClose to

DistalFar from

IN RELATION TO THE TRUNK OF THE BODY!

ProximalScapula and Humorous

DistalWrist (carpals) and Elbow

Superficial(external)/ Deep(internal)

Epidermis and Dermis

Hypodermis and Dermis