Chapter 8: Anatomical and Linear Guides and Limits (incomplete)

Anatomical Position

The erect position of the body with the face directed forward, the arms at the side, and the palms of the hands facing forward, used as a reference in describing the relation of body parts to one another

Anatomical Planes

Imaginary lines used to transect the human body, in order to describe the location of structures or the direction of movements.

The Three Principal Planes

sagittal, frontal/coronal, and transverse/horizontal

Anterior (ventral)

Toward front of body

Medial

Toward midline or median plane of body

Superior (cranial or cephalic)

Toward the head or upper part of the body

Posterior (dorsal)

Toward back of body

Lateral

Away from midline or toward sides of body

Inferior (caudal)

Toward the lower part of the body

Proximal

Toward or closer to the point of attachment

Distal

Away from the point of attachment

External (superficial, peripheral)

Located toward the edges of the body (part), toward the surface

Internal (deep, central)

Located toward the center of body (part), away from the surface

Parietal

Refers to the walls of a cavity

Visceral

Refers to the organs within a cavity

Supine

lying horizontally with the face and torso facing up

Prone

Lying horizontally with the face and torso facing downward

Anatomical Guide

A method of locating a structure by reference to an adjacent known or prominent structure, necessary so that professionals can quickly describe the location of an anatomical structure by referring to another structure. (contain prepositions)

Anatomical Limit

Points of origin and termination in relation to adjacent structures.

Where a vessel begins and ends depends on whether it is…

an artery or a vein

Arteries _____ at the point closer to the heart

begin