EBME 202 Lecture 1 Part 2: Language of Anatomy

Language of Anatomy and Homeostasis

Anatomical Position

“Standard point of reference commonly used in human anatomy and physiology when describing certain anatomical terms and positions.”

“The body is standing with feet together, arms to the side, and head, eyes, and palms facing forward.”

Proximal vs. Distal

Proximal: towards body center

Distal: away from body center

Medial vs. Lateral

Medial: towards midline

Lateral: away from midline

Superior vs. Inferior

Superior: above, towards the head

Inferior: below, away from the head

Synonyms for superior

Rostral, cranial, and cephalic

Synonym for inferior

Caudal (but ONLY to the end of the spine)

Anterior (Ventral) vs. Posterior (Dorsal)

Anterior: towards the front

Posteriors: towards the back

Cephalic

head

Oral

mouth

Cervical

neck

Thoracic

chest/thorax

abdominal

abdomen/stomach area

pelvic

hip/pelvis

pubic

genital

brachial

arm

carpal

wrist

digital

fingers and toes

femoral

thigh

pedal

foot

tarsal

ankle

plantar

bottom of foot

Occipital

back of head

vertebral

spine

lumbar

lower back

sacral

base of spine

Median (midsagittal) plane

front to back

frontal (coronal) plane

side to side

transverse plane

cross-section

Dorsal body cavity

cranial and spinal cavity, protects nervous system

Ventral body cavity

thoracic cavity and abdominopelvic cavity (which is made up of the abdominal and pelvic cavity)

What’s in the thoracic cavity?

Lungs and heart, protected by ribs

What separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavity?

diaphragm

What needs to be maintained in homeostasis?

Blood pressure, body temperature, nutrient and oxygen levels, and waste removal.

Homeostasis

Body’s ability to stay in dynamic equilibrium, maintain internal conditions necessary to sustain life while subjected to changes in external world

Components of homeostatic control system

Receptors, control centers, and effectors