Anatomy for the SLP WEEK 1

ANATOMY for the SLP: TERMINOLOGY & POINTS OF REFERENCE

Human Communication

  • Complexity of Human Communication

    • One of the most complex processes known.

    • Involves hundreds of muscles.

    • Involves millions of nerves.

    • Paradoxically, it seems effortless for the vast majority of us.

Systems for Communication

  • Main Systems:

    • Respiratory System

    • Phonatory System

    • Articulatory System

    • Neurologic System

    • Resonatory System

    • Auditory System

  • Other Systems:

    • Muscular System

    • Skeletal System

Study of Communication Systems

  • We refer to our studies of these systems as:

    • Anatomy: Study of the structure of organisms.

    • Physiology: Science dealing with the functions of the anatomy of living organisms.

  • Communication Disorders

    • Any deviation in these systems can result in a communication disorder.

  • Framework/Components:

    • Framework: Bones & Skeleton.

    • Mechanics: Muscles.

    • Dynamics: (implies the processes involved).

Anatomic Variability

  • Definition:

    • Includes variability in both external and internal structures, such as:

    • Eye color.

    • Heart structure.

    • Anatomic variability is a continuum; avoid thinking in terms of normal/abnormal as it implies a defect.

    • All structures, functions, sensitivities, and capacities are unique.

Basic Terms

  • Biology: Science of life and living organisms.

  • Anatomy: Study of the structure of organisms.

  • Physiology: Study of the functions of anatomy in living organisms.

Nomenclature

  • Definition: What we call things in anatomy; a reference for descriptive purposes.

  • Anatomical Position: Standard position to discuss locations and surfaces, using standard planes.

General Anatomical Terms

  • Superior: Above or toward the head.

  • Inferior: Below or toward the feet.

  • Anterior: Toward the front.

  • Posterior: Toward the back.

  • Medial: Toward the midline of the body.

  • Lateral: Away from the midline of the body.

  • Proximal: Closer to the origin/point of attachment.

  • Distal: Further from the origin/point of attachment.

  • Deep: Away from the surface; towards the interior of the body.

  • Superficial: Closer to the surface of the body.

Anatomical Planes of Reference

  • Coronal Plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior.

  • Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right.

  • Axial Plane: (Transverse plane) divides the body into superior and inferior.

Anatomical Relationships

  • Directional Terms:

    • Ventral: Toward the belly (referring to the spinal cord or bottom of the brain when standing).

    • Dorsal: Toward the back (referring to the spine or top of the brain when standing).

    • Inferior: Toward the bottom.

    • Superior: Toward the top.

    • Medial/Proximal/Central:

    • Medial: Toward the midline or axis of symmetry.

    • Proximal: Toward the body or root of an extremity.

    • Central: Toward the center.

    • Lateral/Distal/Peripheral:

    • Lateral: Away from the midline.

    • Distal: Away from the body.

    • Peripheral: Away from the center.

  • Ipsilateral: Same side as the referent; e.g., right arm is ipsilateral to the right leg.

  • Contralateral: Opposite side as the referent.

Descriptive Terminology

  • Abduction:

    • Movement away from the body or midline.

  • Adduction:

    • Movement toward the body or midline.

    • Hint: ‘Add’ implies to sum/put together.

Joint Movements

  • Flexion: Bending of a part.

  • Extension: Straightening of a part.

  • Abduction: Moving away from the body.

  • Adduction: Moving closer to the midline.