Module 1A Radiologic Pathology

Architectural Plane

Refers to the imaginary flat surfaces used to

visualize and study the structure of the

human body

Body cavities

spaces within the body that contain and protect various internal organs

1. Dorsal (posterior) cavities

2. Ventral (anterior) cavities

2 main categories of body cavities:

1. Cranial cavity

2. Vertebral/spinal cavity

Dorsal (posterior) cavities:

1. Thoracic cavity

2. Abdominopelvic cavity

Ventral (anterior) cavities:

Cells

Basic building blocks of life

Cells

Smallest functional units and carry out

essential functions like metabolism, growth,

and reproduction

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that work together to

perform a specific function

Organs

Composed of different tissues and perform

specific functions.

Heart

an organ made up of muscle,

connective tissue, and blood vessels, and it

pumps blood throughout the body.

Systems

Groups of organs working together to

perform complex functions

Directional terms

Used to describe the relative positions of

body structures.

Superior

above or higher in position; towards

the head

Inferior

below or lower in position; away from

the head

Anterior

front or in front of; towards the front of

the body

Posterior (dorsal)

back or in back of; towards the back

of the body.

Medial

toward the midline or center of the body

Lateral

Away from the midline or toward the sides of the body

Proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or origin

Distal

Farther from the point of attachment or origin

Body planes

Imaginary flat surfaces used to visualize and

analyze body structures.

Sagittal plane

Divides the body into left and right halves.

Midsagittal plane

divides the body into

equal left and right halves

Coronal plane

Divides the body into front (anterior) and

back (posterior) portions

Transverse plane

Divides the body into upper (superior) and

lower (inferior) portions

Surface anatomy

Study of the external features of the body

and their relationship to the internal

structures

1. Patient positioning

2. Image interpretation

3. Minimizing Radiation Exposure

Significance of Surface Anatomy to Radiography: