Introduction

Introduction

1. Define anatomy

   • Structure

2. Define physiology

   • Function

3. Levels of human structure (simple to complex)

   • Chemical
     • Cellular
       • Tissue
         • Organ
           • Organ systems
             • Organismal (the human)

4. Directional terms

   • Superior - above another part
   • Inferior - below another part
   • Anterior (ventral) - toward the front
   • Posterior (dorsal) - toward the back
   • Medial - closer to imaginary midline of body
   • Lateral - toward outer edge of body
   • Proximal - closer to the attachment to body
   • Distal - further away from attachment to body

5. Planes of body

   • Sagittal
     • Vertical plane, divides body into right & left parts
       • Off centre = Parasagittal
   • Transverse
     • Horizontal, divides body into superior & inferior parts
       • Can exist @ any level from head to toe
       • Also known as 'horizontal plane' or 'cross section'
   • Frontal
     • Vertical plane, divides body into anterior & posterior parts
       • Also called 'coronal plane'
       • Frontal plane = front & back

6. Body cavities & contents

   • Ventral
     • Thoracic cavity
       • Pleural cavities
         • Two lateral, each envelope a lung
       • Mediastinum
         • Contains pericardium which encloses the heart
         • Surrounds remaining thoracic organs, incl. thymus gland
       • Separated from lower cavities by diaphragm
     • Abdominal cavity
       • Houses main portion of digestive system
         • Contains liver, gallbladder, stomach, intestine, kidneys, adrenal glands
     • Pelvic cavity
       • Contains reproductive system & bladder
       • No partition from abdominal cavity, lower cavities sometimes referred to together as 'abdominopelvic cavity'
   • Dorsal
     • Cranial cavity
       • Encases brain
         • Spinal & cranial cavity continuous with one another
     • Vertebral/spinal cavity
       • Runs within vertebral column, encloses spinal cord