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Anatomy AND Physiology: Anatomical Position

This document provides an overview of anatomical terminology and basic anatomical concepts. It defines anatomical position as standing upright with feet flat, arms at sides, and palms facing forward. It then describes common directional terms like cranial, caudal, anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, proximal, distal, and intermediate used to relate body structures to one another. It also introduces basic anatomical planes like midsagittal, frontal, and transverse that divide the body. In summary, the document outlines fundamental anatomical terminology and concepts for describing body positioning and structural relationships.

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Riyalynkate Dellomes
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177 views9 pages

Anatomy AND Physiology: Anatomical Position

This document provides an overview of anatomical terminology and basic anatomical concepts. It defines anatomical position as standing upright with feet flat, arms at sides, and palms facing forward. It then describes common directional terms like cranial, caudal, anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, proximal, distal, and intermediate used to relate body structures to one another. It also introduces basic anatomical planes like midsagittal, frontal, and transverse that divide the body. In summary, the document outlines fundamental anatomical terminology and concepts for describing body positioning and structural relationships.

Uploaded by

Riyalynkate Dellomes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ANATOMY

AND
PHYSIOLOGY

Bernard S. Barranco, RN, MAN

Anatomical Position
• The anatomical position is a
standardized method of observing or
imaging the body that allows precise
and consistent anatomical references.
• When in the anatomical position, the
subject stands
– Standing upright
– Facing the observer, head level
– Eyes facing forward
– Feet flat on the floor
– Arms at the sides
– Palms turned forward (ventral)
Directional Terms
• One body structure is in relation to the other.

 “Cranial”or “Cephalad”
 “Caudal”  Towards the head end
 Away from the or upper part of a
head or towards structure or the body.
the lower part of a
structure or the Example:
body. The forehead is
Example: SUPERIOR to the noise
The navel is
INFERIOR to the
breastbone

Directional Terms
• One body structure is in relation to the other.

 “Anterior”
 Towards or at the front
of the body
Example:
The heart is POSTERIOR Example:
to the breastbone The breastbone is
ANTERIOR to the spine
Directional Terms
• One body structure is in relation to the other.

 “Outer side”  “Inner side”


Example: Example:
The arms are LATERAL to the The heart is MEDIAL to the arm
chest

 Between a more medial and a more


lateral structure
Example:
The collarbone is INTERMEDIATE
between the breastbone and the shoulders

Directional Terms
• One body structure is in relation to the other.

Example:
The elbow is PROXIMAL to
the wrist (Elbow is closer to
“Outer side”
 shoulder)
the
Example:
The arms are LATERAL to the
chest Example:
The knee is DISTAL to the
thigh
Directional Terms
• One body structure is in relation to the other.

Example:
The elbow is PROXIMAL to
the wrist (Elbow is closer to
“Outer side”
 shoulder)
the
Example:
The arms are LATERAL to the
chest Example:
The knee is DISTAL to the
thigh

Basic
Anatomical
Terminology
Basic
Anatomical
Terminology

• If the body is lying face down, it is in the prone position.

• If the body is lying face up, it is in the supine position.


Basic Body
Planes
or Sections

These terms are used for


planes or sections that cut
the body, organs, tissues,
or cells

Basic Body Plane / Sections


(MEDIAN)

CUT ALONG THE LENGTHWISE (LONGITUDINAL ) PLANE


OF THE BODY DIVIDING THE BODY INTO RIGHT AND
LEFT PARTS
Basic Body Plane / Sections

CUT ALONG THE LENGTHWISE (LONGITUDINAL ) PLANE


OF THE BODY DIVIDING THE BODY INTO ANTERIOR AND
POSTERIOR PARTS

Basic Body Plane / Sections

CROSS SECTION

CUT ALONG THE HORIZONTAL PLANE OF THE BODY


DIVIDING THE BODY INTO SUPERIOR AND INFERIOR
PARTS
Basic Body Plane / Sections

Example of how planes would cut


the brain
END OF DAY 1

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