Page 3 - Anatomy & Physiology

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32 Chapter 2
Correct pronunciation is important in any journey so that you and others are completely understood. Here is a “see
and say” Pronunciation Guide for the more difficult terms to pronounce in this chapter.
abdominopelvic cavity
(ab dom ih noh PELL vik KAV ih tee) crural (CRUR al)
antecubital (An tee CUE bi tal) distal (DISS tal)
buccal (BUCK al)
caudal (KAWD al)
cephalic (seh FAL ik)
coronal plane (kor ROHN al)
supine position (sue PINE)
Trendelenburg
(Trin DELL in berg)
FIGURE ■ 2-1
The anatomical position.
midsagittal plane (mid SAJ ih tal)
cranial (KRAY nee al)
pleural cavities (PLOO ral)
superficial (SOO per FISH al)
thoracic cavity (tho RASS ik KAV ih
dorsal (DOR sal) tee)
gluteal (GLOO tee al) transverse (tranz VERS)
mediastinum (me dee ah STY num)
THE MAP OF THE HUMAN BODY
When reading a map, you need certain universal directional terms, such as
north, east, south and west. Maps of specific regions can include more details
about that region, making it easier to explore. Likewise, scientists have created
standardized body directional terms and split the body into distinct regions,
sections, and cavities so that we can more clearly and rapidly locate and discuss
anatomical features. Having certain anatomical landmarks on the body also
provides needed points of reference for assessment and surgical procedures. For
example, the spinal cord is a major anatomical landmark for many structures in
the center of our bodies.
If a patient states, “I have pain in my stomach,” what does that really tell
you? Location of pain can help in determining what is wrong with a patient. It
is helpful to know the type of pain (dull, sharp, or stabbing) and exactly where
in that region the pain is located to help determine its cause. For example, pain
in the general stomach area can indicate a variety of problems, such as an ulcer,
heart attack, appendicitis, indigestion, or liver problems. Knowing the exact
region can help a clinician better determine the exact problem.
Body Positions
The body can assume many positions and therefore have different orientations.
To standardize the orientation for the study of anatomy, scientists developed the
anatomical position. The anatomical position, as shown in Figure 2-1 ■, is a
human standing erect, face forward, with feet parallel and arms hanging at the
side, and with palms facing forward.
Other body positions that are important to discuss because of clinical assess-
ments and treatments in health care are the supine, prone, Trendelenburg and