Body Planes and Regions

Study of large structure enough to be seen with the naked eye

Regional Anatomy

Study of all structures in a body system

Systemic Anatomy

Study of internal body structures as they relate to the overlying skin

Surface Anatomy

Study of structures that are too small to be seen with the naked eye

Microscopic Anatomy

Study of individual cells

Cytology

Study of tissues

Histology

Study of the changes in body structures over the course of a lifetime

Developmental Anatomy

Study of structural changes associated with disease

Pathological Anatomy

Study of internal strx using specialized visualization techniques

Radiographic Anatomy

Reference position anatomists and people in medical field use to describe the location of body parts or regions

Anatomical Position

Describe body regions, specific body areas and landmarks

Regional Terms

Used to describe the location of body structures relative to other structures

Directional Terms

Toward the head end or upper part of a structure or the body; above

Superior 

Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure or the body; below

Inferior

Toward or at the front of the body; in front of 

Ventral

Toward or at the backside of the body; behind

Dorsal

Toward or at the midline of the body: on the inner side of

Medial

Away from the midline of the body on the outer side of

Lateral

Between a more medial and more lateral structure

Intermediate

Close to the origin of the body part or point of attachment to a limb to the body trunk

Proximal

Farther from the origin of a body part of the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk

Distal

Away from the body surface; more internal

Deep

Toward or at the body surface; more internal

Superficial

Flat surfaces that divide the body or organs in order to expose internal structure

Body Planes

The exposed surfaces produced by planes 

Sections

Type of body planes that pass vertically through the body or organs and divide them into right and left sections

Sagittal

Type of sagittal that passes vertically through the midline and divides the body into equal left and right halves

Midsagittal

Type of sagittal that divides the body into unequal left and right halves

Parasagittal

Type of body planes that passes vertically through the body and produces anterior and posterior sections

Frontal

Type of body planes that passes horizontally through the body and produces superior and inferior sections

Transverse

Provides protection and allows organ movement; lining prevents friction

Ventral Body Cavity

Cushions and protects the CNS

Dorsal Body Cavity