GROSS ANATOMY

2019-2020

By
Ricky Justin N. Ngo

CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION

General Orientation
 Anatomy – science of the structure and function of the body
o Clinical anatomy – study of the macroscopic structure and function of the body as it relates
to the practice of medicine
 Anatomic Terminology
o Without these terms, describing the composition of the body in a meaningful way is
impossible
o The accurate use of anatomic terms by medical personnel enables them to communicate
with their colleagues
o Without anatomic terms, abnormal functions of joints, the actions of muscles, the alteration
of position of organs, or the exact location of swellings or tumors cannot be accurately
discussed or recorded

Terms Related to Position

 All descriptions of the human body
are based on a conventional
reference posture called Anatomical
Position
o The person is standing erect
and facing forward
o The upper limbs are by the
sides
o The palms of the hands are
directed forward
o The lower limbs are together
o The soles of the feet are on
the ground
o The toes are pointing
forward
 All directional and movement descriptions are based on this body position (Anatomical Position)
Geometric Planes
 Median plane – vertical plane passing through the center of the body, dividing it into equal R & L
halves
 Sagittal plane – plane parallel to the median plane, dividing the body into unequal R & L portions
 Coronal (frontal) plane – vertical plane at a right angle to the median plane; divides the body into
anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions
 Transverse plane – divides the structure in a cross-sectional orientation

 Anterior (ventral) and posterior (dorsal) – indicate the front and back the body, respectively
 Palmar and dorsal – in describing the hand, are used in place of anterior and posterior, respectively
 Plantar and dorsal – in describing the foot, these terms refer to the sole of the foot and top surface
of the foot, respectively.
 Medial and lateral
o Medial – situated nearer to the median plane
o Lateral – lies farther away from the median plane