Overview
This lecture covers anatomical terminology, body planes, major body cavities, and regional divisions essential for understanding human body orientation.
Anatomical Nomenclature
- The sternal, pectoral, and acromial regions refer to areas on the anterior upper body and shoulder.
- The upper arm is called the brachial region; the forearm is the antebrachial region.
- The cervical region is the back of the neck; dorsal refers to the back.
- The olecranon is the back of the elbow, while the gluteal is the buttocks.
- The femoral region is the thigh, sural is the calf, and calcaneal is the heel.
- The plantar surface refers to the sole of the foot.
Anatomical Position and Body Planes
- Anatomical position: body upright, feet forward, palms forward, thumbs lateral.
- Sagittal (median) plane divides the body into left and right halves.
- The midclavicular line is a vertical line through the middle of the clavicle, useful for heart auscultation.
- Transverse/horizontal plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.
- Coronal (frontal) plane divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
Body Cavities and Protection
- Cranial cavity houses the brain; vertebral canal houses the spinal cord, both protected by cerebrospinal fluid.
- Thoracic cavity (ribs, sternum) protects the heart and lungs.
- Kidneys are partially protected by floating ribs (11 and 12).
- Pelvic cavity protects reproductive organs and bladder with the pelvic girdle.
- Abdominal region is less protected, with mainly soft tissue in the front.
Regional Divisions of the Abdomen
- Abdomen is divided into nine regions using a tic-tac-toe grid: umbilical (center), epigastric (upper middle), hypogastric/pubic (lower middle).
- Hypochondriac regions are left/right above the ribs; iliac/inguinal regions are left/right beside the hips.
- Pain location in the abdomen helps distinguish between digestive and non-digestive issues.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anterior — front of the body
- Posterior (Dorsal) — back of the body
- Sagittal Plane — divides body into left and right portions
- Transverse Plane — divides body into upper and lower parts
- Coronal (Frontal) Plane — divides body into front and back
- Cavity — a space in the body housing organs
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review anatomical terms and regional subdivisions from page 13.
- Memorize the nine abdominal regions and their names.
- Prepare for questions on body planes and anatomical orientation.