Anatomical Terminologies

Radiologic Technology Department
San Pedro College
Submitted by:
Balutoc, Kierren Mark T.
BSRadTech 1-A
Reflection Paper:
Anatomical Terminologies
What is the importance of Anatomical Terminologies? By using precise anatomical terminology, we

eliminate ambiguity. Anatomical terms derive from ancient Greek and Latin words. Because these
languages are no longer used in everyday conversation, the meaning of their words does not change.
Anatomical terms are made up of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Anatomists and health care providers
use terminology that can be bewildering to the uninitiated. However, the purpose of this language is
not to confuse, but rather to increase precision and reduce medical errors. For example, is a scar
“above the wrist” located on the forearm two or three inches away from the hand? Or is it at the base
of the hand? Is it on the palm-side or back-side? By using precise anatomical terminology, we
eliminate ambiguity. Anatomical terms derive from ancient Greek and Latin words. Because these
languages are no longer used in everyday conversation, the meaning of their words does not change.
To further increase precision, anatomists standardize the way in which they view the body. Just as
maps are normally oriented with north at the top, the standard body “map,” or anatomical position, is
that of the body standing upright, with the feet at shoulder width and parallel, toes forward. The upper
limbs are held out to each side, and the palms of the hands face forward.
In regional terms the human body’s numerous regions have specific terms to help increase precision.
Notice that the term “brachium” or “arm” is reserved for the “upper arm” and “antebrachium” or
“forearm” is used rather than “lower arm.” Similarly, “femur” or “thigh” is correct, and “leg” or “crus” is
reserved for the portion of the lower limb between the knee and the ankle. You will be able to
describe the body’s regions using the terms from the figure. And directional terms, certain directional
anatomical terms appear throughout any other anatomy textbook. These terms are essential for
describing the relative locations of different body structures. For instance, an anatomist might
describe one band of tissue as “inferior to” another or a physician might describe a tumor as
“superficial to” a deeper body structure. Commit these terms to memory to avoid confusion when you
are studying or describing the locations of particular body parts. Anterior (or ventral) Describes the
front or direction toward the front of the body. The toes are anterior to the foot. Posterior (or dorsal)
Describes the back or direction toward the back of the body. The popliteus is posterior to the patella.
Superior (or cranial) describes a position above or higher than another part of the body proper. The
orbits are superior to the oris. Inferior (or caudal) describes a position below or lower than another
part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal
column). The pelvis is inferior to the abdomen. Lateral describes the side or direction toward the side
of the body. The thumb (pollex) is lateral to the digits. In Medial describes the middle or direction
toward the middle of the body. The hallux is the medial toe. Proximal describes a position in a limb
that is nearer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body. The brachium is proximal to the
antebrachium. Distal describes a position in a limb that is farther from the point of attachment or the
trunk of the body. The crus is distal to the femur. Superficial describes a position closer to the surface
of the body. The skin is superficial to the bones. Deep describes a position farther from the surface of
the body. The brain is deep to the skull. In Body Planes A section is a two-dimensional surface of a
three-dimensional structure that has been cut. Modern medical imaging devices enable clinicians to
obtain “virtual sections” of living bodies. We call these scans. Body sections and scans can be
correctly interpreted, however, only if the viewer understands the plane along which the section was
made. A plane is an imaginary two-dimensional surface that passes through the body. There are
three planes commonly referred to in anatomy and medicine. The sagittal plane is the plane that
divides the body or an organ vertically into right and left sides. If this vertical plane runs directly down
the middle of the body, it is called the midsagittal or median plane. If it divides the body into unequal
right and left sides, it is called a parasagittal plane or less commonly a longitudinal section. The
frontal plane is the plane that divides the body or an organ into an anterior (front) portion and a
posterior (rear) portion. The frontal plane is often referred to as a coronal plane. (“Corona” is Latin for
“crown.”). The transverse plane is the plane that divides the body or organ horizontally into upper and
lower portions. Transverse planes produce images referred to as cross sections.

Anatomical Terminologies

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Anatomical Terminologies

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Anatomical Terminologies

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Radiologic Technology Department

San Pedro College

Balutoc, Kierren Mark T.

What is the importance of Anatomical Terminologies? By using precise anatomical terminology, we

You might also like