Anatomical Regions Overview

Aug 22, 2025

Overview

This content provides anatomical terms used to describe regions of the human body, which are crucial for precise communication in anatomy and medical fields.

Major Body Regions

  • Cranial refers to the head or skull region.
  • Thoracic relates to the chest area.
  • Abdominal indicates the area between the chest and pelvis.
  • Pelvic refers to the lower torso between the abdomen and thighs.
  • Lumbar is the lower back region.
  • Sacral denotes the area near the base of the spine.
  • Coxal pertains to the hip area.
  • Femoral refers to the thigh.

Surface and Limb Regions

  • Brachial refers to the upper arm.
  • Antebrachial is the forearm.
  • Carpal denotes the wrist.
  • Manual relates to the hand.
  • Digital refers to the fingers.
  • Pollex is the thumb.
  • Crural denotes the leg.
  • Tarsal refers to the ankle.
  • Pedal relates to the foot.
  • Plantar is the sole of the foot.
  • Hallux refers to the big toe.
  • Calcaneal is the heel.
  • Patellar indicates the front of the knee.
  • Popliteal is the back of the knee.
  • Olecranal denotes the elbow.

Trunk and Associated Areas

  • Mammary refers to the breast region (female).
  • Umbilical pertains to the navel.
  • Sternal indicates the breastbone.
  • Pectoral denotes the chest muscles.
  • Abdominal references the belly area.
  • Inguinal/Iliac relates to the groin.

Head and Facial Regions

  • Frontal refers to the forehead.
  • Orbital/Ocular refers to the eye area.
  • Nasal is the nose.
  • Oral denotes the mouth.
  • Buccal refers to the cheek.
  • Mental is the chin.
  • Otic refers to the ear.
  • Parietal indicates the upper side of the skull.
  • Temporal refers to the side of the head.

Additional Anatomical Regions

  • Scapular relates to the shoulder blade.
  • Acromial denotes the shoulder tip.
  • Axillary refers to the armpit.
  • Vertebral is the spinal column.
  • Perineal pertains to the area between the anus and genitals.
  • Gluteal refers to the buttocks.
  • Sural indicates the calf.
  • Pubic relates to the genital area.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Cranial — head/skull region
  • Brachial — upper arm
  • Carpal — wrist
  • Femoral — thigh
  • Mammary — breast region (female)
  • Umbilical — navel
  • Olecranal — elbow
  • Popliteal — back of the knee
  • Plantar — sole of the foot

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review and memorize anatomical region terms.
  • Practice identifying these regions on diagrams or yourself.
  • Prepare for quizzes or practical exams on anatomical terminology.