Overview
This lecture introduces the anatomical position and key directional terminology used to describe body structures in human anatomy.
Anatomical Position
- Anatomical position: standing erect, feet forward, palms forward, eyes forward.
- Assume anatomical position unless told otherwise when referencing body structures.
- Functional position: arms resting at the side, used in kinesiology.
Rules for Directional Terminology
- Always refer to the patient’s left and right, not the viewer’s perspective.
- Directional terms are relative, used to compare two structures (e.g., elbow is inferior to shoulder).
Directional Terms: Front and Back
- Anterior: towards the front.
- Posterior: towards the back.
- Ventral: towards the belly (same as anterior in humans).
- Dorsal: towards the back (same as posterior in humans).
Directional Terms: Up and Down
- Superior: towards the top.
- Inferior: towards the bottom.
- Cranial/Cephalic: towards the head or skull (top).
- Caudal: towards the tail or lower part (bottom).
Directional Terms: Middle and Side
- Medial: towards the midline of the body.
- Lateral: away from the midline.
Directional Terms: Limbs
- Proximal: closer to the trunk of the body.
- Distal: further from the trunk.
- Use proximal/distal for limbs as they are always accurate, unlike superior/inferior.
Superficial and Deep
- Superficial: towards the body surface.
- Deep: further away from the surface.
Prone and Supine
- Supine: lying on the back (on your spine).
- Prone: lying on the belly.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomical position — Standard position: standing, feet forward, palms and eyes facing forward.
- Anterior/Ventral — Towards the front or belly.
- Posterior/Dorsal — Towards the back.
- Superior/Cranial/Cephalic — Towards the top or head.
- Inferior/Caudal — Towards the bottom or tail.
- Medial — Toward the midline of the body.
- Lateral — Away from the midline.
- Proximal — Closer to the trunk.
- Distal — Farther from the trunk.
- Superficial — Nearer the surface.
- Deep — Further from the surface.
- Supine — Lying on the back.
- Prone — Lying on the belly.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and memorize the directional terminology and anatomical position for future reference.