Medical-Fitness Technician
Certification Course
Part A: Human Anatomy (LM:1-10)
Certification Course
Part A: Human Anatomy (LM:1-10)
Learning Module 1:
Anatomical Terminology
Anatomical Terminology
Study the Learning Module and take the Quiz.
Learning Objectives
B) Directions in relation to the body
- Demonstrate the anatomical position
- Use appropriate anatomical terminology to identify:
B) Directions in relation to the body
- Identify the three planes of body dimensions
Introduction
Anatomists and health care providers use terminology that can be bewildering to the uninitiated; however, the purpose of this language is not to confuse, but rather to increase precision and reduce medical errors.
Anatomical terms are derived from ancient Greek and Latin words. These languages are no longer used in everyday conversation, so the meaning of their words do not change.
Anatomical terms are derived from ancient Greek and Latin words. These languages are no longer used in everyday conversation, so the meaning of their words do not change.
Anatomical Position
The standardize way in which the body is viewed is called the anatomical position. Just as maps are normally oriented with north at the top, the standard body “map” is with the body standing upright, the feet parallel at shoulder width and toes forward, the arms are held out to each side, and the palms of the hands face forward.
Using this standard position reduces confusion. It does not matter how the body being described is oriented. The terms are used as if the body is in the anatomical position.
Note: A body that is lying down is described as either prone or supine.
Note: A body that is lying down is described as either prone or supine.
- Prone describes a body lying in the face-down position.
- Supine describes a body lying in the face-up position.
Simple Terms for Major Body Regions and Structures
The human body’s numerous regions and structures have specific terms to help increase precision. These include:
- Head - Cranium (incasing the brain) and Face (forehead, eyes, ears, nose, cheeks, mouth, jaw)
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Arm
- Elbow
- Forearm
- Wrist
- Hand - Palm, Thumb, Fingers (Index, Middle, Ring, Small)
- Trunk
- Chest (upper front)
- Abdomen (lower front)
- Flank (lower side – between the ribs and the hip)
- Back (upper and lower)
- Pelvis - Pubis (front), Hip (side), Buttocks (back)
- Thigh
- Knee
- Leg
- Ankle
- Foot - Heel, Sole, Toes
Directional Terms
Certain directional anatomical terms are essential for describing the relative locations of different body structures.
- Anterior describes the front or direction toward the front of the body.
- Posterior describes the back or direction toward the back of the body.
- Superior describes a position above or higher than another part of the body.
- Inferior describes a position below or lower than another part of the body.
- Medial describes the middle or direction toward the midline of the body.
- Lateral describes the side or direction away from the midline of the body
- Proximal describes a position in a limb that is nearer to the trunk of the body.
- Distal describes a position in a limb that is farther from the trunk of the body.
- Superficial describes a position closer to the surface of the body.
- Deep describes a position farther from the surface of the body.
Body Planes
A plane is an imaginary, two-dimensional surface that passes through the body. There are three planes commonly referred to in anatomy and medicine, accounting for each dimension.
- The sagittal plane divides the body (or an organ) vertically into right and left sides.
- The frontal plane (aka: coronal plane) divides the body (or an organ) into an anterior (front) portion and a posterior (back) portion.
- The transverse plane divides the body (or an organ) horizontally into upper and lower portions. (aka: cross sections).
The Sagittal, Frontal, and Transverse Planes of the Body
Memory Hint: Sagittal cuts into sides, Frontal cuts into front-back, Transverse cuts into top-bottom
Memory Hint: Sagittal cuts into sides, Frontal cuts into front-back, Transverse cuts into top-bottom
The three planes can also be used to describe the area in which a body part moves.
Examples:
Note: A cross-section is a two-dimensional surface (plane) of a three-dimensional structure that has been cut. Modern medical imaging devices enable clinicians to obtain “virtual sections” of living bodies. These are called scans. The images in body cross-sections or scans can be correctly interpreted, only if the viewer understands the plane along which the section was made.
Examples:
- When walking, your legs move in the Sagittal plane.
- When raising your arm laterally, your arm moves in the Frontal plane.
- When twisting your body, your trunk moves in the Transverse plane.
Note: A cross-section is a two-dimensional surface (plane) of a three-dimensional structure that has been cut. Modern medical imaging devices enable clinicians to obtain “virtual sections” of living bodies. These are called scans. The images in body cross-sections or scans can be correctly interpreted, only if the viewer understands the plane along which the section was made.
Med-Fit Lab #1
While standing in front of a full-length mirror...
1. Practice standing in the Anatomical Position and describe out-loud the position of your head, arms, hands, legs, and feet.
2. Name and locate all 34 body parts listed under the section above: Simple Terms for Major Body Regions and Structures. (Extra Credit: How many more body parts can you name in simple terms? Examples: eyelid, belly-button, finger nail, knee cap, etc.)
3. Name and locate a pair of body parts that are in relation to each other which illustrate each of the 5 pairs of Directional Terms listed above.
4. Imagine how each of the 3 Body Planes would pass through your body. Also, move a body part in each of the planes.
2. Name and locate all 34 body parts listed under the section above: Simple Terms for Major Body Regions and Structures. (Extra Credit: How many more body parts can you name in simple terms? Examples: eyelid, belly-button, finger nail, knee cap, etc.)
3. Name and locate a pair of body parts that are in relation to each other which illustrate each of the 5 pairs of Directional Terms listed above.
4. Imagine how each of the 3 Body Planes would pass through your body. Also, move a body part in each of the planes.