Understanding Directional Terms in Anatomy

Introduction

• Presenter: Patrick Kelly
• Topic: Describing locations on the body using directional terms

Anatomic Position

• Purpose: Provides a consistent reference point for directional terms.
• Description: Stand straight, feet flat, looking forward, arms by side, palms facing forward.
• Importance: Used as a standard position to avoid confusion.

Body Planes

• Transverse Plane: Divides body into top and bottom halves.
• Frontal Plane: Divides body into front and back halves.
• Sagittal Plane: Divides body into left and right halves, creating the midline.

Directional Terms

Along Midline

• Medial: Towards the midline.
• Lateral: Away from the midline.
• Bilateral: Present on both sides of the body.

Vertical Orientation

• Superior: Towards the head.
• Inferior: Away from the head.

Front and Back

• Anterior: Towards the front (e.g., belly side).
• Posterior: Towards the back.

Depth

• Superficial: Towards the skin surface.
• Deep: Away from the skin surface.

Limbs

• Distal: Away from the joint or point of origin.
• Proximal: Closer to the joint or point of origin.

Specific to Feet and Hands

• Foot:
  • Plantar Side: Bottom of the foot.
  • Dorsal Side: Top of the foot, where shoelaces are tied.
• Hand:
  • Palmar Side: Palm side of the hand.
  • Dorsal Side: Back side of the hand.

Conclusion

• Application: Useful for giving precise directions in anatomy.
• Encouragement: Practice and use these terms in daily anatomical studies.
• Call to Action: Suggested to review the regions of the body and subscribe for more content.