Body Regions Overview

Overview

This lecture covers the main regional terms used in human anatomy, dividing the body into axial and appendicular regions, and defining key terms for various body areas.

Major Body Regions

• The body is divided into axial (head, neck, trunk) and appendicular (limbs) regions.
• Axial region includes the head, neck, and trunk.
• Appendicular region includes the upper and lower limbs (arms and legs).

Axial Region: Head and Neck

• Cephalic region refers to the entire head.
• Cranial region is the skull.
• Frontal region is the forehead.
• Ocular region refers to the eyes.
• Otic region is the ears.
• Nasal region is the nose.
• Buccal region is the cheeks.
• Oral region is the mouth.
• Mental region is the chin.
• Occipital region is the back/base of the skull.
• Cervical region refers to the neck.

Axial Region: Trunk

• Thoracic region is between the neck and abdomen (chest).
• Axillary region is the armpit.
• Mammary region is the breast area.
• Sternal region is the center of the chest over the sternum.
• Abdominal region is the belly area.
• Umbilical region is around the navel (belly button).
• Pelvic region is between the hip bones.
• Inguinal region is the groin area.
• Pubic region is the external genital area.
• Perineal region is between the genitals and anus.
• Dorsal region is the back.
• Vertebral region runs along the spine.
• Lumbar region is the lower back.
• Sacral region is above the buttocks, at the sacrum.
• Gluteal region is the buttocks.

Appendicular Region: Upper Limb

• Acromial region is the shoulder.
• Brachial region is the arm (shoulder to elbow).
• Antebrachial region is the forearm.
• Antecubital region is the front of the elbow.
• Olecranal region is the back of the elbow.
• Carpal region is the wrist.
• Manual region is the hand.
• Metacarpal region is the back of the hand.
• Palmar region is the palm.
• Pollex region is the thumb.
• Digital region is the fingers.

Appendicular Region: Lower Limb

• Coxal region is the hip.
• Femoral region is the thigh.
• Patellar region is the front of the knee.
• Popliteal region is the back of the knee.
• Crural region is the front of the lower leg (shin).
• Sural region is the calf.
• Pedal region is the foot.
• Calcaneal region is the heel.
• Tarsal region is the ankle.
• Metatarsal region is the top of the foot.
• Hallux region is the big toe.
• Digital region is the toes.
• Plantar region is the sole of the foot.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Axial region — head, neck, and trunk.
• Appendicular region — upper and lower limbs.
• Cephalic — head.
• Cervical — neck.
• Thoracic — chest.
• Lumbar — lower back.
• Brachial — arm.
• Crural — lower leg (shin).
• Pedal — foot.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review and memorize regional anatomy terms.
• Take the quiz linked in the lecture (if available).
• Watch related anatomy videos for further understanding.