Anatomical Terminology

Human Anatomy & Physiology Notes

1. Definitions

• Anatomy: Study of the structure of the body.

• Physiology: Study of the function of the body.

• Pathology: Study of disease, including causes, nature, and effects.

2. Scales of Anatomy

Microscopic Anatomy

• Histology: Study of tissues.

• Cytology: Study of cells.

Gross Anatomy

• Structures visible to the naked eye.

• Methods: Cadaver dissections.

3. Ways to Study Anatomy

• Regional Anatomy: Study one body area at a time.

• Systemic Anatomy: Study one system across the whole body.

4. Anatomical Position

• Standing upright.

• Facing forward.

• Arms at sides, palms forward.

• Feet flat, facing forward.

5. Directional Terms

Vertical

• Superior (cranial): Toward the head.

• Inferior (caudal): Toward the feet.

Front & Back

• Anterior (ventral): Front.

• Posterior (dorsal): Back.

Midline

• Medial: Toward the midline.

• Lateral: Away from the midline.

Proximity to Origin

• Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment.

• Distal: Farther from the point of attachment.

Sidedness

• Ipsilateral: Same side.

• Contralateral: Opposite side.

Depth

• Superficial: Near the surface.

• Deep: Away from the surface.

6. Planes of the Body

• Sagittal: Divides body into left and right.

• Midsagittal: Equal left and right halves.

• Parasagittal: Unequal left and right parts.

• Transverse: Divides body into top and bottom.

• Coronal / Frontal: Divides body into front and back.

• Oblique: Diagonal division.

7. Body Cavities

Ventral Cavity

• Thoracic cavity: Lungs and heart.

• Abdominopelvic cavity: Divided into:

  • Abdominal cavity: Contains the stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines.

  • Pelvic cavity: Contains the bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum.

Dorsal Cavity

• Cranial cavity: Brain.

• Vertebral cavity: Spinal cord.

8. Abdominal Sections

Quadrants

• Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ)

• Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)

• Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)

• Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)

9-Region Division