Anatomy Position Terms

Anatomical terms used to describe location are based on a body positioned in what is called the standard anatomical position. Learn vocabulary terms and more with flashcards games and other study tools.

Anatomical Position Definition Of Anatomical Position By

Many anatomical terms can be combined either to indicate a position in two axes simultaneously or to indicate the direction of a movement relative to the body.

Anatomy position terms. Some anatomical structures contain anatomical terms in their names that help identify their position in relation to other body structures or divisions within the same structure. The palms are facing forward with the fingers extended and the thumbs are pointing away from the body. Some examples include the anterior and posterior pituitary superior and inferior venae cavae the median cerebral artery and the axial skeleton.

For example superior means toward the upper part of the body and inferior means toward the lower part of the body. In the anatomical position the body is upright directly facing the observer feet flat and directed forward. What is the position of the body when it is in the normal anatomical position the person is prone with upper limbs including palms touching sides and lower limbs touching at sides.

This position is one in which a person is standing feet apace with palms forward and thumbs facing outwards. Anatomical position is the description of any region or part of the body in a specific stance. The anatomical position is a standing position with the head facing forward and the arms to the side.

The person is standing facing the observer with upper limbs extended out at a ninety degree angle from the torso and lower limbs in a wide stance with feet pointing laterally. In this position the body is straight in standing position with eyes also looking straight. This standard position standing straight looking forward arms at your side and facing forward keeps everyone on the same page when youre talking anatomy and physiology.

Directional terms for anatomical position most of the directional terms used to describe the relationship of one part of the body to another can be grouped into pairs that have opposite meanings. The anatomical position with terms of relative location noted. Start studying anatomical position terms and planes of reference.

The upper limbs are at the bodys sides with the palms facing forward. The palms are hanging by the sides close to the body and are facing forwards. The feet also point forwards and the legs are fully extended.

Whenever you see an anatomical drawing like the one below youre looking at the anatomic position. For example anterolateral indicates a position that is both anterior and lateral to the body axis such as the bulk of the pectoralis major muscle. Anatomical position is very important because the relations of all structures are described as presumed to be in anatomical position.

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