Body Orientation notes (pdf file)

Anatomical Position

The standard position of the body used as a reference in anatomy, standing upright with feet together, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward.

Prone Position

A body position in which a person lies face down.

Supine Position

A body position in which a person lies face up.

Coronal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Midsagittal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right parts, not necessarily equal.

Transverse Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Oblique Plane

A plane that cuts through the body at an angle.

Anterior

Refers to the front of the body.

Posterior

Refers to the back of the body.

Deep

Indicates structures that are farther away from the surface of the body.

Superficial

Indicates structures that are closer to the surface of the body.

Superior

Refers to a position above or higher than another part of the body.

Inferior

Refers to a position below or lower than another part of the body.

Medial

Refers to a position closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral

Refers to a position farther away from the midline of the body.

Proximal

Refers to a position that is closer to the point of attachment or to the trunk of the body.

Distal

Refers to a position that is farther from the point of attachment or from the trunk of the body.

Abdominopelvic Region

The combined anatomical region encompassing both the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Abdominal Cavity

The space within the abdomen that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, and other organs.

Pelvic Cavity

The space within the pelvis that contains the bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum.

Abdominal Quadrants

The four divisions of the abdomen: Upper Right, Lower Right, Upper Left, and Lower Left.

Nine Abdominal Regions

A more detailed division of the abdomen into nine regions used to identify the location of organs or abnormalities.

Cranial Cavity

The space within the skull that contains the brain.

Vertebral Canal

The space formed by the vertebrae, which houses the spinal cord.

Ventral Cavity

The front (anterior) part of the body, containing the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.

Thoracic Cavity

The chamber of the body located above the diaphragm, containing the lungs and heart.

Abdominopelvic Cavity

The cavity that includes both the abdominal cavity and the pelvic cavity.

Mediastinum

The central compartment of the thoracic cavity between the lungs that contains the heart, aorta, and other structures.

Pleura

The serous membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the thoracic cavity.

Visceral Pericardium

The layer of serous membrane that covers the heart.

Peritoneum

The serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs.

Integumentary System

The organ system that includes the skin, hair, nails, and glands.

Skeletal System

The organ system composed of bones and cartilage that supports and protects the body.

Muscular System

The organ system that enables movement of the body and the maintenance of posture.

Nervous System

The organ system that processes sensory information and coordinates responses.

Endocrine System

The organ system that regulates bodily functions through hormones.

Cardiovascular System

The organ system that circulates blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients.

Lymphatic System

The organ system that helps maintain fluid balance and is involved in immune responses.

Respiratory System

The organ system responsible for breathing and gas exchange.

Digestive System

The organ system that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Urinary System

The organ system that removes waste products from the blood and regulates water and electrolyte balance.

Reproductive System

The organ system involved in producing offspring.