Chapter 6: The Human Body Notes

Topographic anatomy

The study of the superficial landmarks that guide the identification of structures beneath the surface.

Anatomic position

The position in which the patient stands facing forward with arms at the side and palms forward.

Coronal plane

An imaginary plane that divides the body into front and back portions.

Transverse plane

An imaginary plane that divides the body into top and bottom portions.

Sagittal (lateral) plane

An imaginary plane that divides the body into left and right portions.

Axial skeleton

The foundation to which the arms and legs are attached, including the skull, spinal column, and thorax.

Cranium

The part of the skull that is made up of four bones.

Face

The part of the skull that is made up of 14 bones.

Spinal column

Composed of 33 bones (vertebrae) divided into 5 sections: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx.

Thorax

Formed by 12 thoracic vertebrae and 12 pairs of ribs, it contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, and great vessels.

Appendicular skeleton

The bones of the arms, legs, their connection points, and the pelvis.

Hinge joint

A type of joint that allows motion restricted to one plane.

Ball-and-socket joint

A type of joint that allows rotation and bending.

Upper extremities

Composed of the arms, forearms, hands, and fingers.

Shoulder girdle

Consists of the clavicle, scapula, and humerus.

Arm

The part of the upper extremity where the humerus is the supporting bone.

Forearm

The part of the upper extremity where the radius is on the lateral side and the ulna is on the medial side.

Wrist and hand

A ball-and-socket joint that includes the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges.

Pelvis

A closed bony ring consisting of the sacrum and two pelvic bones formed by the fusion of the ilium, ischium