Overview
This lecture covers fundamental anatomical terminology, body planes, and positional terms essential for understanding human anatomy and physiology for exams.
Common Anatomical Terms (Anterior View)
- Cephalic refers to the head; cranial is the skull; facial is the face.
- Frontal means forehead; temporal is the temple; orbital/ocular is the eye region.
- Otic refers to the ear; buccal is the cheek; nasal is the nose.
- Oral indicates the mouth; mental is the chin.
- Cervical is the neck; axillary is the armpit; brachial is the arm.
- Antebrachial is the forearm; carpal is the wrist; palmar is the palm.
- Pollex means thumb; digital/phalangeal are fingers and toes.
- Sternal is the breastbone; thoracic is the chest; mammary is the breast.
- Abdominal refers to the abdomen; umbilical is the navel.
- Coxal is the hip; femoral is the thigh; patellar is the front of the knee.
- Crural is the shin; pedal is the foot; tarsal is the ankle.
- Dorsum is the back of the hand/top of the foot; hallux is the big toe.
- Manual refers to the hand; pelvic is the pelvis; inguinal is the groin; pubic is the pubis.
Common Anatomical Terms (Posterior View)
- Occipital is the base of the skull; acromial is the shoulder.
- Scapular is the shoulder blade; vertebral is the spinal column; dorsal is the back.
- Olecranal is the back of the elbow; lumbar is the loin; sacral is between the hips.
- Coccygeal is the tailbone; gluteal is the buttock; perineal is between anus and genitalia.
- Popliteal is the back of the knee; sural is the calf; plantar is the sole of the foot; calcaneal is the heel.
Body Planes
- Transverse plane divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) parts; allows rotational movements.
- Frontal (coronal) plane separates anterior (front) and posterior (back); allows side-to-side movements.
- Sagittal (lateral) plane divides the body into left and right halves; allows forward and backward movements.
Anatomical Position and Directional Terms
- Anterior refers to the front side; posterior is the back side.
- Medial is closer to the midline; lateral is further from the midline.
- Superior is above another part; inferior is below another part.
- Proximal means closer to the point of attachment; distal means further from the point of attachment.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anterior — front or forward-facing side of the body
- Posterior — back or rear side of the body
- Medial — closer to the midline of the body
- Lateral — further from the midline of the body
- Superior — above or higher than another body part
- Inferior — below or lower than another body part
- Proximal — closer to the limb's point of attachment
- Distal — further from the limb's point of attachment
- Transverse Plane — horizontal plane dividing body into superior and inferior parts
- Frontal (Coronal) Plane — plane dividing body into anterior and posterior parts
- Sagittal Plane — plane dividing body into left and right halves
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and memorize anatomical terms and directional terminology for test preparation.