Anatomical & Physiological Language

Anatomy

The study of the structures in the human body

Physiology

The study of how the body structures function (often involving physics & chemistry)

What is the anatomical position?

The anatomical position is a standardized view of the body.

In the anatomical position, how is the body positioned?

The body is standing upright.

In the anatomical position, how are the feet positioned?

The feet are shoulder width apart.

In the anatomical position, which direction do the toes point?

The toes point forward.

In the anatomical position, how are the upper limbs positioned?

The upper limbs are held out at each side.

Purpose of the anatomical Position

Its purpose is to ensure that when communicating with other health care service professionals, confusion and error can be prevented when describing parts of the body.

Anterior

The direction towards the front

Posterior

The direction towards the back

Superior

A position above or higher than something else

Inferior

A position below or lower than something else

lateral

A direction heading away from the midline of the body

Medial

A direction heading towards from the midline of the body

Proximal

A position of a limb that is nearer to the point of attachment / trunk of the body

Distal

A position of a limb that is further from the point of attachment / trunk of the body

Superficial

A position that is closer to the surface of the body

Deep

A position that is further from the surface of the body

Frontal Plane

Divides the body or an organ into anterior and posterior sections. Also called the 'coronal plane'

Transverse Plane

Divides the body or an organ horizontally, into upper and lower

sections

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body or an organ into left and right sections, right down the midline of the body

Cranial Cavity

houses the brain, that is protected & surrounded by the skull & cerebral fluid.

Vertebral Cavity

consists of various bones that surround & protects the spinal cord.

Thoracic Cavity

surrounded by the rib - cage & houses the hear & lungs.

Abdomino-Pelvic Cavity

largest in the body & houses the digestive & reproductive systems, as well as other organs (incl. liver).

Top row

mostly digestive organs (i.e. stomach) + liver/spleen under the ribs.

Middle Row

mostly intestines & kidneys

Bottom Row

mostly bowel, bladder + reproductive organs