HBS Language of Anatomy

directional terms

Words that describe the location of one structure in relation to another.

regional terms

Words that describe specific regions or locations on the body.

body planes

Words that act like a coordinate system to describe a human in the anatomical position.

body cavities

Words that describe the spaces of the body that contain the internal organs, or viscera.

Anterior

Front

Posterior

Back

Superficial

Near the surface

Deep

more internal, far from surface

Distal

farther from the trunk

Proximal

close to trunk

Ventral

belly

Dorsal

back

Inferior

below

Superior

above

Medial

toward the midline

Lateral

side, away from the midline

Abdominal

region between thorax and pelvis; stomach

Cranial Cavity

The cranial cavity is the space formed by the bones of the skull. It contains the brain and protects it from bumps and bruises.

Dorsal Body Cavity

The dorsal body cavity is subdivided into two parts: the cranial cavity and the vertebral cavity.

Pelvic Cavity

The pelvic cavity is a bowl-like structure that sits below the abdominal cavity and is part of the abdominal-pelvic cavity. It contains the bladder and internal reproductive organs.

Ventral Body Cavity

The ventral body cavity is subdivided into two parts: the thoracic cavity and the abdomino-pelvic cavity. The diaphragm separates these cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

The thoracic cavity, also called the chest cavity, contains the heart and the lungs. It is enclosed by the ribs and provides space for the lungs to expand and contract inside the cavity.

Vertebral Cavity

The vertebral cavity is the space formed by the bones of the vertebral column and contains the spinal cord.

Abdominal Cavity

The abdominal cavity is the largest hollow space of the body and contains the stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, small intestine, and most of the large intestine.

Abdomino-pelvic Cavity

The abdomino-pelvic cavity is a body cavity that consists of the abdominal cavity and the pelvic cavity.

Circulatory System

Transports blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body.

Digestive System

Breaks down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body.

Endocrine System

Produces hormones that regulate various bodily functions.

Excretory/Urinary System

Removes waste products and excess water from the body.

Integumentary System

Protects the body from the external environment and regulates temperature.

Lymphatic System

Helps the body fight infection and maintain fluid balance.

Muscular System

Enables movement and provides support for the body.

Nervous System

Controls and coordinates body functions through electrical signals.

Reproductive System

Enables reproduction and the continuation of the species.

Respiratory System

Takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.

Skeletal System

Provides support, structure, and protection for the body.