Overview
This lecture introduces anatomical directional terms used to describe locations and positions on the body, always in reference to the anatomical position.
Anatomical Position
- The anatomical position is standing erect, face forward, arms at sides, palms forward, and feet forward.
- All directional terms are described relative to the anatomical position to avoid confusion.
Superior and Inferior
- Superior means toward the head, upper, or above.
- Inferior means toward the feet, lower, or below.
- Example: The heart is superior to the small intestine; the small intestine is inferior to the heart.
Anterior and Posterior / Ventral and Dorsal
- Anterior means toward the front or in front of.
- Posterior means toward the back or behind.
- Ventral is another term for anterior; dorsal is another term for posterior.
- Example: The sternum is anterior to the heart; the heart is posterior to the sternum.
Medial and Lateral
- Medial means toward the midline of the body.
- Lateral means away from the midline or toward the side.
- Example: The heart is medial to the lungs; the lungs are lateral to the heart.
- Lateral view: looking at the body from the side.
Proximal and Distal
- Proximal means closer to the trunk (axial body).
- Distal means farther from the trunk.
- These terms are mainly used for limbs (appendicular body).
- Example: The thigh is proximal to the foot; the foot is distal to the thigh.
Superficial and Deep
- Superficial means closer to the surface of the body.
- Deep means further from the surface of the body.
- Example: The sternum is superficial to the lungs; the lungs are deep to the sternum.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anatomical Position — Standard posture for anatomical reference.
- Superior — Toward the head or above.
- Inferior — Toward the feet or below.
- Anterior (Ventral) — Toward the front of the body.
- Posterior (Dorsal) — Toward the back of the body.
- Medial — Closer to the body's midline.
- Lateral — Further from the midline; toward the side.
- Proximal — Closer to the trunk.
- Distal — Farther from the trunk.
- Superficial — Closer to the surface.
- Deep — Further from the surface.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and memorize key directional terms and their definitions.
- Practice applying these terms to describe relationships between body parts.