Organization of the Human Body Chapter 1

Learner Outcome: To define and describe the levels of organization within the human body and to begin to use the medical and anatomical terms to describe the body and its relative positions and structures.

Form Follows Function Anatomy is defined as the science of the structures or forms of living things. Physiology is defined as the science of dealing with the functions and vital processes of living organisms.

Fig. 1.1

Anatomical Terminology Terms that are used to describe the location of parts, regions, and planes on which the body can be sectioned. All anatomical terms are based on the body being in anatomical position. Is anatomical position universal for all animals?

Anatomical Terms Anterior Posterior Dorsal Ventral Superior Inferior Medial Lateral Proximal Distal Superficial Deep Central Peripheral Caudal Cranial Cephalic

Fig. 1.2

Body Regions Axial and appendicular portions. Axial (axis): head, neck, and trunk. (Trunk: thorax, abdomen, and pelvis) Appendicular: limbs and their associated girdles. Try: cephalic, cervical, brachial, antebrachial, femoral, crural, gluteal, vertebral, umbilical, coxal, pectoral, genital.

Fig. 1.3

Planes and Sections Invisible, imaginary plane cut through the body to section it. Sagittal (Mid and para) Frontal (Coronal) Transverse (Horizontal)

Fig. 1.4

Cavities and Membranes The first divisions of the body that are made are: posterior and anterior. Cavities and the organs (viscera) of the cavities are lined with membranes. Why do you think this is? Posterior cavities: Cranial, vertebral. Posterior membranes: meninges (3). Anterior cavities: Thoracic, abdominopelvic. Anterior membranes: serous

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Serous Membranes Visceral membrane – in contact with the organ (viscera) itself. Parietal membrane – the outer membrane. Serous fluid – similar fluid as serum found in between the visceral and parietal layers. Examples: pleura, pericardium, peritonium.

Fig. 1.5a

Fig. 1.5b

Table 1.1

Fig. 1.6

End of Directional Terminology