The vocabulary of Human Anatomy

1

• Anatomy – study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts

• Physiology – study of how the body and its parts work or function

• Gross Anatomy• Large structures• Easily observable

• Microscopic Anatomy• Very small structures• Can only be viewed with a microscope

2

Draw a stick-like figure, with a head, trunk, arms, and legs in anatomical position standing erect, facing forward, upper limbs at sides, palms facing forward.

As the terms are discussed, designate the area or draw arrows on the paper to designate direction.

3

Terms of Relative Position• Superior versus Inferior• Anterior versus Posterior• Medial versus Lateral• Proximal versus Distal• Superficial versus Deep

4

Body Planes

5

Identify the following areas on your stick figure:

1. Area distal to the knee.2. Area proximal to the elbow.3. Lateral to the thumb.4. Area that is superior to the lungs.5. Area that is inferior to the heart.6. A structure that is anterior to the brain.7. Draw a line showing a transverse plane.

1

2

3

4

5

6

6

Body Cavities

7

Visceral layer – covers an organParietal layer – lines a cavity or body wall

Thoracic Membranes• Visceral pleura• Parietal pleura• Visceral pericardium• Parietal pericardium

Abdominopelvic Membranes

• Parietal peritoneum• Visceral peritoneum

Membranes

8

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

9

Abdominopelvic Regions

10