1. The Human Body: An Orientation

2. The Language of Anatomy
Special terminology is used to prevent misunderstanding
Exact terms are used for
Position
Direction
Regions
Structures

3. Anatomical Position Reference position
Body erect with arms at sides and palms forward
Head and feet point forward
Bilateral symmetry = mirror images

4. Directional Terms
When the body is in the anatomical position, directional terms allow medical personnel and anatomists to explain exactly where one body structure is in relation to another.

5. Directional Terms
Table 1.1 (1 of 3)

6. Directional Terms
Table 1.1 (2 of 3)

7. Directional Terms
Table 1.1 (3 of 3)

8. Let’s Give it a Try The wrist is __________ to the hand.
The breastbone is __________ to the spine.
The brain is __________ to the spinal cord.
The thumb is __________ to the fingers. (Be careful here. Remember the anatomical position.)

9. Regional Terms
Anterior body landmarks
Figure 1.5a

10. Regional Terms
Posterior body landmarks
Figure 1.5b

11. Body Planes and Sections
A sagittal section divides the body (or organ) into left and right parts
A median, or midsagittal, section divides the body (or organ) into equal left and right parts
A frontal section divides the body (or organ) into anterior and posterior parts
A transverse, or cross, section divides the body (or organ) into superior and inferior parts

12. Body Planes and Sections
Figure 1.6

13. Body Cavities Dorsal body cavity Cranial cavity houses the brain
Spinal cavity houses the spinal cord
Ventral body cavity
Thoracic cavity houses heart, lungs and others
Abdominopelvic cavity houses digestive system and most urinary system organs

14. Body Cavities
Figure 1.7

15. Abdominopelvic Quadrants
Figure 1.8a

16. Abdominopelvic Regions
Figure 1.8b

17. Abdominopelvic Major Organs
Figure 1.8c