Wk 1 - Anatomical Planes

What is sectional anatomy?

the physical relationship between internal structures - how they sit next to each other.

What is the true anatomical position

body is standing erect, face and toes pointing forward, arms at the side with palms facing forward.

Why is the true anatomical position important?

to ensure directional terminology is used correctly, and that the precise location of structures is explained properly.

What are the four anatomical planes?

coronal, Sagittal, axial, oblique

Coronal plane

vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back).

Sagittal plane

vertical plane that divides the body into left and right portions.

What is the median plane?

Sagittal plane that divides the body directly down the middle.

What is a parasagittal plane?

sagittal plane that divides the body off-center.

How is the left and right side determined on an image?

reversed.

What anatomical plane makes images look round?

axial/transverse

Superior/inferior

superior = higher, towards the top of the body

Inferior = lower, towards the bottom of the body

Anterior/posterior

anterior = towards the front of the body, the chest

Posterior = towards the back of the body, the spine

Cranial/caudal

head = the reference point

Cranial = towards the head

Caudal = towards the feet

Proximal/distal

The reference point always changes, although often the head

proximal = towards, closer to

Distal = away, further from

Medial/lateral

medial = closer to medial line, centre of the body

Lateral = further from the medial line

Anterior/Lateral view

anterior view is from the front

Lateral view is from the side

What are the patient body positions?

Erect - standing or sitting

Supine - lying on back

Semi-erect - partially sat up

Prone - lying face-down

Lateral - laying on side

Superficial/deep

Superficial = closer to body’s surface/skin

Deep = closer to center of the body

Unilateral/bilateral

Unilateral = involving one side of the body

Bilateral = involving both sides of the body

Ipsilateral/contralateral

Ipsilateral = on same side of the body

Contralateral = on opposite side of the body

What are the brow and ear external landmarks?

Nasion

External Auditory Meatus (EAM)

Mastoid tip

What are the nose and jaw external landmarks?

Acanthion

Gonion

What are the throat external landmarks?

Thyroid cartilage

Jugular notch

What is the neck external landmark?

Vertebral prominens

What are the 5 bony landmarks of the thorax?

Clavicles

Jugular notch of the sternum

Sternal angle

Xiphoid process

Costal margins