Ch 1 (V A) Anatomical Position and External Anatomy

Introduction to Anatomical Terminology

  • Anatomy & Physiology is a memorization-intensive course.

  • Emphasis on understanding and memorizing specific terms and definitions.

Standard Anatomical Position

  • Anatomical Position: A standard position to describe locations of body parts.

    • Features of Anatomical Position:

      • Specimen facing forward.

      • Palms upturned (anterior view).

      • Feet slightly apart.

  • Importance of assuming this position when identifying body structures.

Overview of Anatomical Terms

  • Many terms are commonly used (e.g., nasal, oral, abdominal).

  • Some terms may be less familiar and require reinforcement and memorization.

Major Anatomical Regions

Cephalic Region (Head)

  • Cephalic: Refers to the entire head.

    • Frontal: Forehead region (related to the frontal bone).

    • Orbital: Eye region (round like an orbit).

    • Mental: Chin region (often confused with psychological context).

    • Cervical: Neck region (narrowing anatomy).

Thoracic Region (Chest)

  • Thoracic: Entire chest area.

    • Sternal: Region of the sternum (breastbone).

    • Mammary: Pertains to breast tissue (present in all sexes).

Abdominal Region

  • Abdominal: Refers to the abdomen.

    • Umbilical: Central area, referring to the belly button.

Upper Limbs

  • Acromial: Tip of the shoulder.

  • Axillary: Armpit region.

  • Brachial: Upper arm region.

  • Antecubital: Front of the elbow (important for medical contexts).

  • Antebrachial: Forearm region.

  • Manus: Refers to the hand.

    • Carpal: Wrist area.

    • Palmar: Palm of the hand.

    • Digits: Fingers (with the thumb termed Pollux).

Lower Limbs

  • Coxal: Hip region.

  • Pelvic: Lower abdomen, just below the umbilical area.

  • Inguinal: Groin region (before genitalia).

  • Pubic: Genital region.

  • Femoral: Thigh region (associated with the femur).

  • Patellar: Front of the knee.

  • Crural: Entire leg (shin area).

    • Fibular: Lateral side of the leg.

    • Tarsal: ankle region.

    • Pedal: Foot region.

    • Hallux: Big toe (specified digit).

Posterior Anatomical Terms

Head & Neck

  • Occipital: Back of the head.

  • Vertebral: Spinal column location.

Back

  • Dorsum: General term for the back.

    • Lumbar: Lower back (also known as loins).

    • Sacral: Triangular region at the end of the spinal column.

    • Gluteal: Pertaining to buttocks.

    • Perineal: Area between genitalia and anus.

Upper Limbs (Posterior)

  • Olecranal: Back of the elbow.

Lower Limbs (Posterior)

  • Popliteal: Back of the knee.

  • Sural: Calf region (muscular part of the leg).

  • Calcaneal: Heel area.

  • Plantar: Sole of the foot.