1. A Review of the Human Body
Medical Terminology
A Review of the Human Body

2. The Anatomical Position
- erect standing position - feet slightly separated - arms hanging relaxed at the sides - palms of hands facing forward

3. Anatomical Planes
FRONTAL (or coronal) separates the body into Anterior and Posterior parts
MIDSAGITTAL (or median sagittal) separates body into equal Right and Left parts
TRANSVERSE separates the body into Superior and Inferior parts
SAGITTAL any plane dividing the body into a left side and right side

4. Body Directions Medial means closer to the midline or middle.
Lateral means further from the midline or toward the side. 

5. Anterior (Ventral) -at or toward the front
Posterior (Dorsal) - at or toward the back
Superior – above
Inferior – below
Proximal – nearer to the point of attachment (the trunk)
Distal – farther from the point of attachment

6. Cephalic or cranial – toward the head
Caudal – toward the lower end of the spine or buttocks

7. Body Cavities dorsal body cavity ventral body cavity
cranial cavity – protects the brain
Spinal cavity – spinal cord
ventral body cavity
thoracic cavity – heart and lungs
abdominopelvic cavity
abdominal cavity –digestive organs
pelvic cavity – reproductive and urinary organs
Pelvic cavity
Abdominal cavity
Diaphragm
Thoracic cavity
Cranial cavity
Dorsal cavity
Ventral cavity
Spinal
cavity

8. Divisions of the Abdomen

9. Regions Right and Left hypochondriac regions are below the ribs.
Epigastric region is upon or above the stomach
Right and left lumbar regions. Lumbar refers to the inward curve of the spine.
Umbilical region. (umbilic means naval and al means pertaining to.
Right and left iliac regions refer to the hipbone area.
Hypogastric region is below the stomach. The entire lower region of the abdomen is also referred to as the groin or inguinal area.

10. Peritoneum
The peritoneum is the membrane that protects and supports the organs in the abdominal cavity.
MED TERM ALERT ! -periton means peritoneum
-retro means behind or backward
Retroperitoneal means pertaining to behind the periotoneum.

12. Don’t forget
lapar/o means abdomen