The Language of Anatomy Special terminology is used to prevent

misunderstanding

Exact terms are used for

Anatomical Position Direction Planes Regions Structures

Directional Terms

Terms

Prefix (Combining Vowel) Root Word (Combining Vowel) Suffix

Ex. Abdominopelvic

Examples:

-ic, -al, -us, -on mean “pertaining to”

hypo- below

epi- upon

chon- cartilage

ante- before

peri- around

Figure 1.5a

Regional Terms Anterior body landmarks

Regional Terms Posterior body landmarks

Figure 1.5b

Directional Terms

Table 1.1 (1 of 3)

Directional Terms

Table 1.1 (2 of 3)

Directional Terms

Table 1.1 (3 of 3)

Body Planes and Sections A sagittal section divides the body (or

organ) into left and right parts

A median, or midsagittal, section divides the body (or organ) into equal left and right parts

A frontal section divides the body (or organ) into anterior and posterior parts

A transverse, or cross, section divides the body (or organ) into superior and inferior parts

Body Planes and Sections

Figure 1.6

Body Cavities Dorsal body cavity

Cranial cavity houses the brain Spinal cavity houses the spinal cord

Ventral body cavity Thoracic cavity houses heart, lungs and

others Abdominopelvic cavity houses digestive

system and most urinary system organs

Body Cavities

Figure 1.7

Abdominopelvic Quadrants

Figure 1.8a

Abdominopelvic Regions

Figure 1.8b

Abdominopelvic Major Organs

Figure 1.8c