1. Anatomical reference systems

2. The anatomic position
This is our standard frame of reference when describing the body. This standard position can be described as:
Standing up straight so the body is erect and facing forward
Holding the arms at the sides with the hands turned with the palms facing forward.

3. Anatomic reference systems
…are used to describe the locations of the stuctural units of the body. There are several ways to describe the location of body parts:
Body Planes
Body Directions
Body Cavities

4. Body Planes
Imaginary lines used to divide the body into sections for descriptive purposes. The planes are in reference to anatomic position
Vertical planes (up and down)
Midsagittal (also known as midline) divides the body into equal left and right halves
Sagittal plane is a vertical line that divides the body into unequal left and right portions
Frontal plane (also known as coronal plane) divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) portions.

5. Horizontal Plane (side to side plane)
Transverse plane divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) portions. It can be at waist-level or any other level across the body.

6. Body Directional terms
Opposite Directional Term
Ventral: front or belly side
Dorsal: back of the body or organ
Anterior: situated in front
Posterior: situated in the back
Superior: upper most, above, toward the head
Inferior: lowermost, below or toward the feet
Cephalic: toward to the head
Caudal: toward the lower part of the body or tail
Proximal: situated nearest the midline or beginning of a body structure (usually compares structures on upper or lower limbs)
Distal: Situated farthest from the midline or beginning of a body structure (usually compares structures on upper or lower limbs)
Medial: The direction toward or nearer the midline.
Lateral: Direction toward or nearer the side and away from the midline
Bilateral: relating to, or having, both sides

7. Body planes and directions

8. Major body cavities

9. A body cavity is a space within the body that contains and protects internal organs. Can you name one organ found in each cavity?