The Human Body: An Orientation

Anatomical Position

Standard anatomical body position

Always use directional terms as if body is in anatomical position

Right and left refer to body being viewed, not those of observer

Regional Terms

Two major divisions of body

Axial

Appendicular

Regional terms designate specific areas within body divisions

Anatomical Variability

Body Planes and Sections

Body plane

Sections

Body Planes

Three most common

1. Sagittal Plane

2. Frontal (coronal) plane

3. Transverse (horizontal) plane

Oblique section

Body Cavities

Two sets of internal body cavities

1. Dorsal Body Cavity

2. Ventral Body Cavity

Membranes in Ventral Body Cavity

4. Serous Membranes

5. Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Abdominopelvic Regions

Other Body Cavities