Overview
This lecture introduces anatomical directional terms used to describe body locations and relationships based on the anatomical position, minimizing confusion in anatomical discussions.
Anatomical Position
- Anatomical position: standing upright, face forward, arms at sides, palms and feet facing forward.
- Standard reference for all anatomical directional terms.
Major Directional Terms
- Superior: toward the head, upper, or above.
- Inferior: toward the feet, lower, or below.
- Anterior (Ventral): toward the front of the body.
- Posterior (Dorsal): toward the back of the body.
- Medial: toward the midline of the body.
- Lateral: away from the midline, toward the sides.
Appendicular Directional Terms
- Proximal: closer to the trunk or axial body.
- Distal: farther from the trunk or axial body.
Surface-Depth Terms
- Superficial: closer to the surface of the body.
- Deep: farther from the surface of the body.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomical position — standard body position for reference in anatomy.
- Superior — toward the head or upper part of a structure.
- Inferior — toward the feet or lower part of a structure.
- Anterior (ventral) — toward the front of the body.
- Posterior (dorsal) — toward the back of the body.
- Medial — nearer to the midline of the body.
- Lateral — farther from the midline.
- Proximal — nearer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk.
- Distal — farther from the attachment of a limb to the trunk.
- Superficial — closer to the surface.
- Deep — farther from the surface.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review these terms and practice identifying body parts using directional language.
- Prepare to use these terms in future anatomical discussions or assignments.