Overview
This lecture covers the core anatomical vocabulary used to describe directions, positions, and regions of the human body, emphasizing their specific meanings in medical contexts.
Anatomical Directions
- Superior (or cranial) means toward the head or upper part of a structure; in humans, the head is superior.
- Inferior (or caudal) means away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure; in humans, the feet are inferior.
- Anterior (or ventral) means toward the front of the body; ventral refers to the belly side.
- Posterior (or dorsal) means toward the back of the body.
- Medial refers to a position closer to the midline (midsagittal line) of the body.
- Lateral refers to a position farther from the midline of the body.
Relationship Terms
- Intermediate means between two structures (e.g., elbow is intermediate between the shoulder and hand).
- Proximal means closer to the point of origin or attachment (e.g., shoulder or hip).
- Distal means farther from the point of origin or attachment (e.g., hand or foot).
- Superficial means toward or at the surface of the body.
- Deep means away from the body surface or more internal.
Anatomical Position & Body Regions
- Anatomical position: standing erect, feet together, arms at sides, palms forward, thumbs lateral.
- The sternum, nose, umbilicus, and trachea are medial structures; shoulders and ears are lateral.
- Specific regional terms: frontal (forehead), orbital (eye), nasal (nose), oral (mouth), mental (chin), cervical (neck), acromial (shoulder), antecubital (front of elbow), patellar (knee), femoral (thigh), leg (between knee and ankle).
Specialized Vocabulary
- The thumb is called the pollux; the big toe is the hallux.
- Fingers and toes are numbered 1–5; the smallest is called digiti minimi.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Superior — above or toward the head.
- Inferior — below or toward the feet.
- Anterior (Ventral) — front or belly side.
- Posterior (Dorsal) — back side.
- Medial — near the midline.
- Lateral — away from the midline.
- Intermediate — between two structures.
- Proximal — closer to origin.
- Distal — farther from origin.
- Superficial — near the surface.
- Deep — further from the surface.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the anatomical terms for directions and positions.
- Memorize specific regional names for body parts.
- Practice applying these vocabulary terms to describe locations or injuries on the body.