anatomical reference systems
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Transcript anatomical reference systems
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This is our standard frame of
reference when describing the
body. This standard position can
be described as:
Standing up straight so the
body is erect and facing
forward
Holding the arms at the sides
with the hands turned with
the palms facing forward.
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…are used to describe the locations of the
stuctural units of the body. There are
several ways to describe the location of body
parts:
Body Planes
Body Directions
Body Cavities
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Imaginary lines used to divide the body into
sections for descriptive purposes. The planes
are in reference to anatomic position
Vertical planes (up and down)
Midsagittal (also known as midline) divides the
body into equal left and right halves
Sagittal plane is a vertical line that divides the
body into unequal left and right portions
Frontal plane (also known as coronal plane)
divides the body into front (anterior) and back
(posterior) portions.
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Horizontal
Plane (side to side plane)
Transverse plane divides the body into upper
(superior) and lower (inferior) portions. It can
be at waist-level or any other level across the
body.
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Directional Term
Opposite Directional Term
Ventral: front or belly side
Dorsal: back of the body or
organ
Anterior: situated in front
Posterior: situated in the back
Superior: upper most, above,
toward the head
Inferior: lowermost, below or
toward the feet
Cephalic: toward to the head
Caudal: toward the lower part
of the body or tail
Proximal: situated nearest the
midline or beginning of a body
structure (usually compares
structures on upper or lower
limbs)
Distal: Situated farthest from
the midline or beginning of a
body structure (usually
compares structures on upper or
lower limbs)
Medial: The direction toward
or nearer the midline.
Lateral: Direction toward or
nearer the side and away from
the midline
Bilateral: relating to, or having,
both sides
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A body cavity is a space within the body that
contains and protects internal organs.
Can you name one organ found in each cavity?
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