CSEP421 - Human Body (2.1)

Flashcards for CSEP421 - Human Body (2.1) Lecture Notes

Anatomical Position

The standard reference point used by health professionals to ensure clear and consistent communication about the human body.

Anatomical Position Definition

Body upright, standing erect facing the observer, head and eyes facing forward, feet flat on the floor and forward, upper limbs to the sides, palms turned forward.

Directional Terms

Terms that describe the position of one body part relative to another and are grouped in pairs with opposite meanings.

Anterior

Nearer to the front of the body.

Posterior

Nearer to the back of the body.

Superior

Toward the head.

Inferior

Away from the head.

Lateral

Further from the midline.

Medial

Nearer to the midline.

Proximal

Nearer to the point of attachment of a limb to the torso (used on limbs only).

Distal

Further from the point of attachment of a limb to the torso (used on limbs only).

Superficial

Towards or on the surface of the body.

Deep

Away from the surface of the body.

Planes

Imaginary flat surfaces that pass through the body.

Midsagittal Plane

Divides the body into equal right and left sides.

Parasagittal Plane

Divides the body into unequal right and left sides.

Frontal Plane

Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions.

Body Cavities

Spaces within the body that help protect, separate, and support internal organs.

Cranial Cavity

Formed by the cranial bones and protects the brain.

Vertebral Cavity

Formed by bones of the vertebral column and contains the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

Formed by the ribs, sternum, muscles of the chest, vertebral column (thoracic part), and diaphragm.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

Extends from the diaphragm to the groin, encircled by the abdominal wall muscles and bones and muscles of the pelvis.