Human Body Orientation and Org.

Human Body Orientation and Organization

General Overview

Presented by: Daniel Conde, Ph.D.University of Texas at El Paso

Anatomy

• Definition: Anatomy is the scientific study of the structure, shape, and relationships between different parts of the body.

• Observation Techniques: Various techniques, including visual inspection, dissection, and imaging modalities (such as MRI and CT scans), are utilized to appreciate the sizes and spatial relationships of body parts.

Categories of Anatomy:

1. Gross Anatomy: Investigates large structures visible to the naked eye, such as organs and organ systems.

   • Methods: Dissection and imaging techniques like X-rays allow for the study of gross structures.

2. Microscopic Anatomy: Involves the examination of structures that are too small to be seen without a microscope, encompassing histology (the study of tissues) and cytology (the study of cells).

Anatomical Resources

• Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy, 2019 by C. Machado: A comprehensive visual resource that provides detailed illustrations of human anatomy, used widely in education and clinical practice.

Regional Anatomy

Regions of the Body:

• Head

• Neck

• Thorax

• Abdomen

• Back

• Pelvis/Perineum

• Upper Extremities

• Lower Extremities

• Study Components: Each region includes a detailed study of the major structures, such as bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, organized from superficial to deep to understand their relationships and functions.

Systemic Anatomy

• Definition: Systemic anatomy organizes the body into different organ systems, each composed of organs that work together to perform complex functions that support human life.

• Integration: It's important to recognize that no organ system operates in isolation; they interact continuously to maintain homeostasis.

Body Systems Include:

• Integumentary System: Consists of skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.

• Skeletal System: Comprises bones, cartilage, and joints, providing structure and support.

• Articular System: Involves the joints and ligaments facilitating movement.

• Muscular System: Made up of muscles that enable movement and maintain posture.

• Nervous System: Includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body.

• Digestive/Alimentary System: Involved in the breakdown and absorption of food.

• Urinary System: Maintains fluid and electrolyte balance through waste excretion.

• Reproductive System: Responsible for producing gametes and hormones for reproduction.

• Endocrine System: Composed of glands that secrete hormones regulating bodily functions.

Clinical (Applied) Anatomy

• Focuses on how the structure of the body relates to its function, especially in medical contexts.

• Particularly significant for fields such as medicine, dentistry, and allied health sciences, where understanding the body's anatomy is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

• Emphasizes a systematic approach to both regional and systematic studies to enhance application in clinical practice.

The Language of Anatomy

• Terminology Importance: The use of precise anatomical terms is essential to avoid misunderstandings. It helps medical professionals communicate effectively regarding position, direction, regions, and structures.

Anatomical Position:

• Standard position: The individual stands erect, facing forward, with feet parallel, arms at the sides, palms facing anteriorly (forward), and thumbs pointed away from the body.

Directional Terms

• Basic Definitions:

  1. Superior (Cranial): Toward the head; above.

  2. Inferior (Caudal): Away from the head; below.

  3. Anterior (Ventral): Toward the front of the body.

  4. Posterior (Dorsal): Toward the back of the body.

• Detailed Definitions with Examples:

  • Superior: Example: The forehead is superior to the nose.

  • Inferior: Example: The navel is inferior to the breastbone.

  • Anterior: Example: The breastbone is anterior to the spine.

  • Posterior: Example: The heart is posterior to the breastbone.

  • Medial: Toward the midline; example: The heart is medial to the arm.

  • Lateral: Away from midline; example: The arms are lateral to the chest.

  • Intermediate: Between medial and lateral structures; example: The collarbone is intermediate between the breastbone and shoulder.

  • Proximal: Closer to the origin of body part; example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist.

  • Distal: Farther from the origin; example: The knee is distal to the thigh.

  • Superficial (External): Toward the body surface.

  • Deep (Internal): Away from the body surface.

Body Planes and Sections

• Types of Planes:

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

  • Median (Midsagittal) Plane: Divides the body into equal left and right halves.

  • Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.

  • Transverse (Cross) Plane: Divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) parts.

Body Cavities

Internal Body Cavities:

• Dorsal Cavity:

  • Subdivisions: Includes the cranial cavity (houses the brain, protected by the skull) and the spinal cavity (houses the spinal cord, protected by vertebrae).

• Ventral Cavity:

  • Subdivisions: Divided into thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities, separated by the diaphragm.

  • Thoracic Cavity: Houses vital organs like the heart and lungs, protected by the rib cage.

  • Abdominopelvic Cavity: Contains organs of digestion and reproduction, further divided into the abdominal cavity (superior) and pelvic cavity (inferior).

Axial and Appendicular Skeleton

• Axial Skeleton: Consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, providing central support and protection for the body's vital organs.

• Appendicular Skeleton: Comprises the bones of the upper and lower limbs, including the shoulder girdle and pelvis, facilitating mobility and interaction with the environment.

Fundamental Movements

• Types of Movements:

  • Sagittal Plane: Flexion and extension (e.g., bending and straightening the elbow).

  • Frontal Plane: Abduction and adduction (e.g., raising arms to the side and bringing them back down).

  • Transverse Plane: Internal and external rotation (e.g., rotation of the shoulder joint).

References

• Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy, 2019 by C. Machado

• Human Anatomy & Physiology, 2019

• Additional texts and journals that cover various aspects of human anatomy and physiology for comprehensive understanding.