Anatomical Position

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The anatomical position

The position of the body used by m.d. in order to describe the location of the parts and areas of the body

In the anatomical position:

Body is erect and facing forward

Arms hang, and palms face forward

Feet face forward and are flat on the floor

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Planes and sections of the body

Planes divide the body or the organs in order to see internal structures

Sections are superficially exposed by planes

Sagital plane

Passes vertically through the body, dividing it into two sections: left and right

Midsagittal divides equally

Parasagittal divides unequally

Frontal/coronal plane

Passes vertically through the body or organs, resulting in anterior and posterior sections

Transversal plane

Passes horizontally through the body, resulting in superior and inferior sections

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Body cavities

A human body is divided into 2 main cavities:

Dorsal cavity

Cranial cavity

Contains the brain

Vertebral canal

Contains the spinal cord

Ventral cavity

Thoracic cavity

Heart

Lungs

Abdominal cavity

Stomach

Liver

Pancreas

Most of the large and small intestines

Pelvic cavity

Rectum

Urinary bladder

Internal reproductive organs

Rest of large intestine

Thoracic and abdominal cavities are separated by the diaphragm