{"id":23782,"date":"2024-09-08T17:44:44","date_gmt":"2024-09-08T17:44:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bodyflyfitness.com\/website_31847406\/lessons\/anatomical-terms-and-locations\/"},"modified":"2024-09-08T17:44:44","modified_gmt":"2024-09-08T17:44:44","slug":"anatomical-terms-and-locations","status":"publish","type":"mpcs-lesson","link":"https:\/\/bodyflyfitness.com\/website_31847406\/courses\/trainer-certification-course\/lessons\/anatomical-terms-and-locations\/","title":{"rendered":"Anatomical Terms and Locations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Human\u00a0Anatomy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Human\u00a0anatomy\u00a0is the scientific study of the body\u2019s structures. Some of these structures are very small and can only be observed and analyzed with the assistance of a microscope. Other larger structures can readily be seen, manipulated, measured, and weighed. The word \u201canatomy\u201d comes from a Greek root that means \u201cto cut apart.\u201d Human anatomy was first studied by observing the exterior of the body and observing the wounds of soldiers and other injuries. Later, physicians were allowed to dissect the bodies of the dead to augment their knowledge. When a body is dissected, its structures are cut apart to observe their physical attributes and their relationships to one another. Dissection is still used in medical schools, anatomy courses, and pathology labs. To observe structures in living people, however, several imaging techniques have been developed. These techniques allow clinicians to visualize structures inside the living body such as a cancerous tumor or a fractured bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like most scientific disciplines, anatomy has areas of specialization.\u00a0Gross anatomy\u00a0is the study of the larger structures of the body, those visible without the aid of magnification (Figure 1a). Macro- means \u201clarge,\u201d thus, gross anatomy is also referred to as\u00a0macroscopic anatomy. In contrast, micro means \u201csmall,\u201d and microscopic anatomy is the study of structures that can be observed only with the use of a microscope or other magnification devices (Figure 1b). Microscopic anatomy includes cytology, the study of cells, and histology, the study of tissues. As the technology of microscopes has advanced, anatomists have been able to observe smaller and smaller structures of the body, from slices of large structures like the heart to the three-dimensional structures of large molecules in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Figure 1. Gross and Microscopic Anatomy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(a) Gross anatomy considers large structures such as the brain. (b) Microscopic anatomy can deal with the same structures, though at a different scale. This is a micrograph of nerve cells from the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anatomists take two general approaches to the study of the body\u2019s structures: regional and systemic.\u00a0Regional anatomy\u00a0is the study of the interrelationships of all of the structures in a specific body region, such as the abdomen. Studying regional anatomy helps us appreciate the interrelationships of body structures, such as how muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and other structures work together to serve a particular body region. In contrast,\u00a0systemic anatomy\u00a0is the study of the structures that make up a discrete body system\u2014that is, a group of structures that work together to perform a unique body function. For example, a systemic anatomical study of the muscular system would consider all of the skeletal muscles of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anatomical Terminology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Anatomists and healthcare providers use terminology that can be bewildering to the uninitiated. However, the purpose of this language is not to confuse, but rather to increase precision and reduce medical errors. For example, is a scar \u201cabove the wrist\u201d located on the forearm two or three inches away from the hand? Or is it at the base of the hand? Is it on the palm side or the back side? By using precise anatomical terminology, we eliminate ambiguity. Anatomical terms derive from ancient Greek and Latin words. Because these languages are no longer used in everyday conversation, the meaning of their words does not change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anatomical terms are made up of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. The root of a term often refers to an organ, tissue, or condition, whereas the prefix or suffix often describes the root. For example, in the disorder hypertension, the prefix \u201chyper-\u201d means \u201chigh\u201d or \u201cover,\u201d and the root word \u201ctension\u201d refers to pressure, so the word \u201chypertension\u201d refers to abnormally high blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anatomical Position<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To further increase precision, anatomists standardize how they view the body. Just as maps are normally oriented with the north at the top, the standard body \u201cmap,\u201d or\u00a0anatomical position, is that of the body standing upright, with the feet at shoulder width and parallel, toes forward. The upper limbs are held out to each side, and the palms of the hands face forward as illustrated in\u00a0Figure 1. Using this standard position reduces confusion. It does not matter how the body being described is oriented, the terms are used as if it is in an anatomical position. For example, a scar in the \u201canterior (front) carpal (wrist) region\u201d would be present on the palm side of the wrist. The term \u201canterior\u201d would be used even if the hand were palm down on a table.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Figure 1. Regions of the Human Body<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The human body is shown in anatomical position in an (a) anterior view and a (b) posterior view. The regions of the body are labeled in boldface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A body that is lying down is described as either prone or supine.\u00a0Prone\u00a0describes a face-down orientation, and\u00a0supine\u00a0describes a face-up orientation. These terms are sometimes used in describing the position of the body during specific physical examinations or surgical procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regional Terms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The human body\u2019s numerous regions have specific terms to help increase precision (see\u00a0Figure 1). Notice that the term \u201cbrachium\u201d or \u201carm\u201d is reserved for the \u201cupper arm\u201d and \u201cantebrachium\u201d or \u201cforearm\u201d is used rather than \u201clower arm.\u201d Similarly, \u201cfemur\u201d or \u201cthigh\u201d is correct, and \u201cleg\u201d or \u201ccrus\u201d is reserved for the portion of the lower limb between the knee and the ankle. You will be able to describe the body\u2019s regions using the terms from the figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Directional Terms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Certain directional anatomical terms appear throughout this and any other anatomy textbook (Figure 2). These terms are essential for describing the relative locations of different body structures. For instance, an anatomist might describe one band of tissue as \u201cinferior to\u201d another or a physician might describe a tumor as \u201csuperficial to\u201d a deeper body structure. Commit these terms to memory to avoid confusion when you are studying or describing the locations of particular body parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Anterior\u00a0(or\u00a0ventral) Describes the front or direction toward the front of the body. The toes are anterior to the foot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Posterior\u00a0(or\u00a0dorsal) Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body. The popliteus is posterior to the patella.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Superior\u00a0(or\u00a0cranial) describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper. The orbits are superior to the oris.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Inferior\u00a0(or\u00a0caudal) describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or the lowest part of the spinal column). The pelvis is inferior to the abdomen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Lateral\u00a0describes the side or direction toward the side of the body. The thumb (pollex) is lateral to the digits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Medial\u00a0describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body. The hallux is the medial toe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Proximal\u00a0refers to a position in a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The brachium is proximal to the antebrachium.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Distal\u00a0describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The crus is distal to the femur.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Superficial\u00a0describes a position closer to the surface of the body. The skin is superficial to the bones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Deep\u00a0describes a position farther from the surface of the body. The brain is deep in the skull.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"\/<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Figure 2. Directional Terms Applied to the Human Body<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paired directional terms are shown as applied to the human body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Body Planes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A section is a two-dimensional surface of a three-dimensional structure that has been cut. Modern medical imaging devices enable clinicians to obtain \u201cvirtual sections\u201d of living bodies. We call these scans. Body sections and scans can be correctly interpreted, however, only if the viewer understands the plane along which the section was made. A plane is an imaginary two-dimensional surface that passes through the body. There are three planes commonly referred to in anatomy and medicine, as illustrated in\u00a0Figure 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • The\u00a0sagittal plane\u00a0is the plane that divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides. If this vertical plane runs directly down the middle of the body, it is called the midsagittal or median plane. If it divides the body into unequal right and left sides, it is called a parasagittal plane or less commonly a longitudinal section.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • The\u00a0frontal plane\u00a0is the plane that divides the body or an organ into an anterior (front) portion and a posterior (rear) portion. The frontal plane is often referred to as a coronal plane. (\u201cCorona\u201d is Latin for \u201ccrown.\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • The\u00a0transverse plane\u00a0is the plane that divides the body or organ horizontally into upper and lower portions. Transverse planes produce images referred to as cross-sections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"\"\/<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

      Figure 3. Planes of the Body<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The three planes most commonly used in anatomical and medical imaging are the sagittal, frontal (or coronal), and transverse planes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Body Cavities and Serous Membranes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The body maintains its internal organization using membranes, sheaths, and other structures that separate compartments. The\u00a0dorsal (posterior) cavity\u00a0and the\u00a0ventral (anterior) cavity\u00a0are the largest body compartments (Figure 4). These cavities contain and protect delicate internal organs, and the ventral cavity allows for significant changes in the size and shape of the organs as they perform their functions. The lungs, heart, stomach, and intestines, for example, can expand and contract without distorting other tissues or disrupting the activity of nearby organs.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"\/<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

      Figure 4. Dorsal and Ventral Body Cavities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The ventral cavity includes the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities and their subdivisions. The dorsal cavity includes the cranial and spinal cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Subdivisions of the Posterior (Dorsal) and Anterior (Ventral) Cavities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The posterior (dorsal) and anterior (ventral) cavities are each subdivided into smaller cavities. In the posterior (dorsal) cavity, the\u00a0cranial cavity\u00a0houses the brain, and the\u00a0spinal cavity\u00a0(or vertebral cavity) encloses the spinal cord. Just as the brain and spinal cord make up a continuous, uninterrupted structure, the cranial and spinal cavities that house them are also continuous. The brain and spinal cord are protected by the bones of the skull and vertebral column and by cerebrospinal fluid, a colorless fluid produced by the brain, which cushions the brain and spinal cord within the posterior (dorsal) cavity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The anterior (ventral) cavity has two main subdivisions: the thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity (see\u00a0Figure 4). The thoracic cavity is the superior subdivision of the anterior cavity, and it is enclosed by the rib cage. The\u00a0thoracic cavity\u00a0contains the lungs and the heart, which is located in the mediastinum. The diaphragm forms the floor of the thoracic cavity and separates it from the inferior abdominopelvic cavity. The\u00a0abdominopelvic cavity\u00a0is the largest in the body. Although no membrane physically divides the abdominopelvic cavity, it can be useful to distinguish between the abdominal cavity, the division that houses the digestive organs, and the pelvic cavity, the division that houses the organs of reproduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Abdominal Regions and Quadrants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient\u2019s abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, healthcare providers typically divide up the cavity into either nine regions or four quadrants (Figure 5).<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"\/<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

      Figure 5. Regions and Quadrants of the Peritoneal Cavity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      There are (a) nine abdominal regions and (b) four abdominal quadrants in the peritoneal cavity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The more detailed regional approach subdivides the cavity with one horizontal line immediately inferior to the ribs and one immediately superior to the pelvis, and two vertical lines drawn as if dropped from the midpoint of each clavicle (collarbone). There are nine resulting regions. The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient\u2019s umbilicus (navel).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Membranes of the Anterior (Ventral) Body Cavity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      A\u00a0serous membrane\u00a0(also referred to a serosa) is one of the thin membranes that cover the walls and organs in the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. The parietal layers of the membranes line the walls of the body cavity (pariet- refers to a cavity wall). The visceral layer of the membrane covers the organs (the viscera). Between the parietal and visceral layers is a very thin, fluid-filled serous space, or cavity (Figure 6).<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"\"\/<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

      Figure 6. Serous Membrane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Serous membrane lines the pericardial cavity and reflects to cover the heart\u2014much the same way that an underinflated balloon would form two layers surrounding a fist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      There are three serous cavities and their associated membranes. The\u00a0pleura\u00a0is the serous membrane that surrounds the lungs in the pleural cavity; the\u00a0pericardium\u00a0is the serous membrane that surrounds the heart in the pericardial cavity; and the\u00a0peritoneum\u00a0is the serous membrane that surrounds several organs in the abdominopelvic cavity. The serous membranes form fluid-filled sacs, or cavities, that are meant to cushion and reduce friction on internal organs when they move, such as when the lungs inflate or the heart beats. Both the parietal and visceral serosa secrete the thin, slippery serous fluid located within the serous cavities. The pleural cavity reduces friction between the lungs and the body wall. Likewise, the pericardial cavity reduces friction between the heart and the wall of the pericardium. The peritoneal cavity reduces friction between the abdominal and pelvic organs and the body wall. Therefore, serous membranes provide additional protection to the viscera they enclose by reducing friction that could lead to inflammation of the organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      REVIEW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Ancient Greek and Latin words are used to build anatomical terms. A standard reference position for mapping the body\u2019s structures is the normal anatomical position. Regions of the body are identified using terms such as \u201coccipital\u201d that are more precise than common words and phrases such as \u201cthe back of the head.\u201d Directional terms such as anterior and posterior are essential for accurately describing the relative locations of body structures. Images of the body\u2019s interior commonly align along one of three planes: the sagittal, frontal, or transverse. The body\u2019s organs are organized in one of two main cavities\u2014dorsal (also referred to posterior) and ventral (also referred to anterior)\u2014which are further subdivided according to the structures present in each area. The serous membranes have two layers\u2014parietal and visceral\u2014surrounding a fluid-filled space. Serous membranes cover the lungs (pleural serosa), heart (pericardial serosa), and some abdominopelvic organs (peritoneal serosa).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      GLOSSARY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      abdominopelvic cavity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      division of the anterior (ventral) cavity that houses the abdominal and pelvic viscera<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      anatomical position<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      standard reference position used for describing locations and directions on the human body<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      anterior<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes the front or direction toward the front of the body; also referred to as ventral<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      anterior cavity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      larger body cavity located anterior to the posterior (dorsal) body cavity; includes the serous membrane-lined pleural cavities for the lungs, pericardial cavity for the heart, and peritoneal cavity for the abdominal and pelvic organs; also referred to as ventral cavity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      caudal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column); also referred to as inferior<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      cranial<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper; also referred to as superior<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      cranial cavity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      division of the posterior (dorsal) cavity that houses the brain<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      deep<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes a position farther from the surface of the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      distal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes a position farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      dorsal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes the back or direction toward the back of the body; also referred to as posterior<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      dorsal cavity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      posterior body cavity that houses the brain and spinal cord; also referred to as the posterior body cavity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      frontal plane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      two-dimensional, vertical plane that divides the body or organ into anterior and posterior portions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      inferior<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column); also referred to as caudal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      lateral<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes the side or direction toward the side of the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      medial<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes the middle or direction toward the middle of the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      pericardium<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      sac that encloses the heart<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      peritoneum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      the serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and covers the organs found there<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      plane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      imaginary two-dimensional surface that passes through the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      pleura<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      serous membrane that lines the pleural cavity and covers the lungs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      posterior<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes the back or direction toward the back of the body; also referred to as dorsal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      posterior cavity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      posterior body cavity that houses the brain and spinal cord; also referred to as the dorsal cavity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      prone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      face down<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      proximal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes a position nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      sagittal plane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      two-dimensional, vertical plane that divides the body or organ into right and left sides<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      section<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      in anatomy, a single flat surface of a three-dimensional structure that has been cut through<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      serous membrane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      membrane that covers organs and reduces friction; also referred to as serosa<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      serosa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      membrane that covers organs and reduces friction; also referred to as serous membrane<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      spinal cavity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      division of the dorsal cavity that houses the spinal cord; also referred to as the vertebral cavity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      superficial<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes a position nearer to the surface of the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      superior<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper; also referred to as cranial<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      supine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      face up<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      thoracic cavity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      division of the anterior (ventral) cavity that houses the heart, lungs, esophagus, and trachea<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      transverse plane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      two-dimensional, horizontal plane that divides the body or organ into superior and inferior portions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      ventral<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      describes the front or direction toward the front of the body; also referred to as anterior<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      ventral cavity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      larger body cavity located anterior to the posterior (dorsal) body cavity; includes the serous membrane-lined pleural cavities for the lungs, pericardial cavity for the heart, and peritoneal cavity for the abdominal and pelvic organs; also referred to as anterior body cavity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","mpcs-curriculum-tags":[],"mpcs-curriculum-categories":[],"class_list":["post-23782","mpcs-lesson","type-mpcs-lesson","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bodyflyfitness.com\/website_31847406\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mpcs-lesson\/23782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bodyflyfitness.com\/website_31847406\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mpcs-lesson"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bodyflyfitness.com\/website_31847406\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/mpcs-lesson"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bodyflyfitness.com\/website_31847406\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"mpcs-curriculum-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bodyflyfitness.com\/website_31847406\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mpcs-curriculum-tags?post=23782"},{"taxonomy":"mpcs-curriculum-categories","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bodyflyfitness.com\/website_31847406\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mpcs-curriculum-categories?post=23782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}