Lecture on Anatomical Terms

Introduction

• Anatomical terms are used for precise descriptions of body locations.
• Avoid vague descriptions, such as "something on my stomach."
• Example of precision: "2cm superior to her navel."

Anatomical Position

• Standard position: standing upright, arms at sides, palms forward, feet together.
• Use anatomical terms only with this position, not when the person is in other postures.

Directional Terms

Left and Right

• Refer to the person's left and right in the anatomical position, not the observer's.
• Example: "Point A is to the left of the umbilicus" when describing from the perspective of the subject.

Anterior and Posterior

• Anterior/Ventral: front of the body.
• Posterior/Dorsal: back of the body.
• Examples:
  • The navel is on the anterior/ventral surface.
  • The heel is posterior/dorsal to the toes.

Superior and Inferior

• Superior: above/towards the head.
• Inferior: below/towards the feet.
• Examples:
  • Point A is superior to point B.
  • Point C is inferior to point B.

Proximal and Distal

• Used for locations on the same limb (arms or legs).
• Proximal: closer to where limb inserts into the body.
• Distal: further away from where limb inserts.
• Examples:
  • Knee is proximal to the ankle.
  • Wrist is distal to the elbow.

Medial and Lateral

• Medial: closer to the body's midline.
• Lateral: away from the midline.
• Examples:
  • Point A is medial to point B.
  • Thumb is lateral to the little finger.

Anatomical Planes

• Used to visualize internal structures.

Sagittal Plane

• Vertical cut dividing body into left and right.
• Midsagittal: through the midline.
• Parasagittal: off-center.

Frontal Plane

• Divides body into anterior and posterior parts.
• Example: Face and back of the head.

Transverse Plane

• Horizontal cut dividing body into superior and inferior parts.

Oblique Plane

• Cut at an oblique angle.

Conclusion

• Understanding planes helps visualize complex structures like the brain.
• Each sectional view highlights different features.

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