Chapter 2: The Language of Anatomy
Anatomy Unit ObjectivesAnatomy Unit Objectives
Verbally describe or demonstrate the anatomical position.
Use proper anatomical terminology to describe body directions, surfaces and body planes
Locate the major body cavities, and list the chief organs in each cavity.
Superficial AnatomySuperficial AnatomyInvolves locating structures on or near
the body surfaceUnderstanding anatomical landmarks,
anatomical regions, and terms for anatomical directions will help you remember both the location of a structure and its name.
For example; the brachium refers to the the arm and the brachialis muscle and the brachial artery are located in the arm.
Why have an anatomical Why have an anatomical position?position?
To prevent misunderstandings, anatomists use universally accepted terms to identify body structures precisely and with a minimum of words
* It is important to remember that the terms “left” and “right” refer to those sides of the person being viewed – not those of the observer.
Anatomical PositionAnatomical Position1. Body erect2. Feet slightly apart3. Palms facing forward 4. Thumbs point away from
body5. Similar to “standing at
attention”
Supine – person laying down in anatomical position face up
Prone – face downFigure 1.7a
Table 1.1
Table 1.1
Check Point
Create 4 examples using the directional terms.
1. Share/Check with a partner. 2. Be prepared to discuss your
examples.
Regional Terms: Anterior Regional Terms: Anterior ViewView
Axial: head, neck, and trunk
Appendicular: arms, legs, and attachments
Figure 1.7a
Regional Terms: Posterior Regional Terms: Posterior ViewView
Figure 1.7b
Body SectionsBody SectionsSagittal – divides the body into right and left parts
Midsagittal or median- sagittal plane that lies on the midline
Body SectionsBody SectionsFrontal/Coronal Section – Lengthwise plane that divides the body (or organ) into anterior and posterior
Body SectionsBody Sections
Transverse/Cross Section – Cut along a horizontal plane dividing the body or organ into superior and inferior parts.
Body PlanesBody Planes
Figure 1.8
Anatomical VariabilityAnatomical Variability
Humans vary slightly in both external & internal anatomy.
Over 90% of all anatomical structures match
textbook descriptions, but: - Nerves or blood vessels may be somewhat
out of place - Small muscles may be missing
Extreme anatomical variations are seldom seen . . .
But it does happen…
Body CavitiesBody Cavities
Dorsal Body Cavity1. Cranial Cavity – Brain 2. Vertebral Cavity – Spinal cord & nerve origins
Ventral Body Cavity1. Thoracic Cavity – Chest cavity
A. Pleural Cavity – LungsB. Pericardial Cavity – HeartC. Mediastinum
2. Abdominopelvic CavityA. Abdominal – stomach, spleen, gallbladder,
liver, pancreas, small & large intestinesB. Pelvic – bladder, portions of large intestines,
sex organs
Body CavitiesBody Cavities
Body CavitiesBody Cavities
◦Cranial cavity is within the skull and encases the brain
◦Vertebral cavity runs within the vertebral column and encases the spinal cord
The Dorsal cavity protects the nervous system, and is divided into two subdivisions:
Body CavitiesBody CavitiesVentral cavity houses the internal organs and is divided into two subdivisions:
1.Thoracic
2.Abdominopelvic
Body CavitiesBody Cavities
The Thoracic cavity is subdivided into :
Mediastinum – contains the pericardial cavity, and surrounds the remaining thoracic organs
Pericardial cavity – encloses the heart
Pleural cavities – each houses a lung
Body CavitiesBody Cavities
Two subdivisions:
◦ Abdominal cavity – contains the stomach, intestines, spleen, liver, and other organs
◦ Pelvic cavity – lies within the pelvis and contains the bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum
The abdominopelvic cavity is separated from the superior thoracic cavity by the dome-shaped diaphragm
Ventral Body Cavity Ventral Body Cavity MembranesMembranes
Parietal serosa lines internal body walls
Visceral serosa covers the internal organs
Serous fluid separates the serosae
Ventral Body Cavity Ventral Body Cavity MembranesMembranes
Figure 1.10a
Other Body CavitiesOther Body Cavities
1. Oral and digestive – mouth and cavities of the digestive organs
2. Nasal - located within and posterior to the nose
3. Orbital – house the eyes
4. Middle ear – contain bones (ossicles) that transmit sound vibrations
5. Synovial – joint cavities
Other Body CavitiesOther Body Cavities
Abdominopelvic RegionsAbdominopelvic Regions
UmbilicalEpigastricHypogastricRight and left
iliac or inguinalRight and left
lumbarRight and left
hypochondriac
Figure 1.11a
Abdominopelvic RegionsAbdominopelvic Regions
Umbilical – Centermost region deep to and surrounding the umbilicus.
Epigastric- located superior to the umbilical region
Hypogastric- located inferior to the umbilical region
Abdominopelvic Abdominopelvic RegionsRegions
Right and left iliac (inguinal)- located lateral to the hypogastric region.
Right and left lumbar-lie lateral to the umbilical region.
Right and left hypochondriac- lie lateral to the epigastric region.
Organs of the Abdominopelvic Organs of the Abdominopelvic RegionsRegions
Figure 1.11b
Abdominopelvic QuadrantsAbdominopelvic Quadrants
Right upperLeft upperRight lowerLeft lower
Figure 1.12
At the clinicAt the clinic
1.This cavity contains the bladder and the rectum.
2.Which body cavity protects the nervous system?
3.The frontal section is also called what?
4.This region is inferior to the lumbar region.
5.This region is superior to the hypogastric region.