Overview
This lecture introduces key anatomical terms for body positions, directions, and planes of section, which are essential for studying human anatomy accurately.
Anatomical Position & Reference Points
- Anatomical position: person stands erect, facing forward, with palms facing forward and feet parallel.
- Always use the patient's right/left, not the observer’s, when identifying body sides.
- Correct identification of right and left is critical in anatomical study and practice.
Directional Terms in Anatomy
- Superior: toward the head or upper part of a structure.
- Inferior: away from the head, toward the lower part.
- Anterior (ventral): toward the front of the body.
- Posterior (dorsal): toward the back of the body.
- Lateral: away from the midline of the body.
- Medial: toward the midline of the body.
- Intermediate: between a more medial and a more lateral structure.
- Proximal: closer to the trunk or point of attachment.
- Distal: farther from the trunk or point of attachment.
- Superficial (external): toward or at the body surface.
- Deep (internal): away from the body surface, more internal.
- Contralateral: on opposite sides of the body.
- Ipsilateral: on the same side of the body.
Planes of Section
- Coronal (frontal) plane: divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.
- Sagittal (longitudinal) plane: divides the body into left and right parts; midsagittal if directly down the midline.
- Transverse (cross-section) plane: divides the body into superior and inferior parts.
- The appearance of anatomical structures varies depending on the plane of section used.
Tips for Studying Anatomy
- Use a current anatomical atlas or textbook as your map.
- Always identify the plane of section when viewing images or scans.
- Study images of the same structure from multiple angles to recognize patterns.
- Read captions to determine how an anatomical image was made.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomical Position — standard reference posture for body descriptions.
- Superior/Inferior — above or below in relation to the head.
- Anterior/Posterior — front or back relative to anatomical position.
- Medial/Lateral — closer to or farther from the midline.
- Proximal/Distal — nearer to or farther from the trunk or origin.
- Superficial/Deep — relative closeness to the body surface.
- Contralateral/Ipsilateral — on opposite or same sides of the body.
- Coronal Plane — vertical plane splitting anterior/posterior.
- Sagittal Plane — vertical plane splitting left/right.
- Transverse Plane — horizontal plane splitting superior/inferior.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review additional videos on how to study anatomy and medical terminology.
- Practice identifying anatomical directions and planes on diagrams and real images.
- Read textbook chapters on anatomical terminology and body planes.