Regional Terms and Body Organs
Regional Terms
In your textbook, you will find a picture of a person with each part of the body labeled with
names such as cephalic, acromial, brachial, etc. These names are used in the correct
identification of areas AND will help when you are learning bone, muscle, nerves, and blood
vessels. SO…it really pays off to learn them!
In your textbook, you will find a picture of a person with each part of the body labeled with
names such as cephalic, acromial, brachial, etc. These names are used in the correct
identification of areas AND will help when you are learning bone, muscle, nerves, and blood
vessels. SO…it really pays off to learn them!
Anatomical Directions
Most directional terms relate to what is known as the “Standard Anatomical Position” where the arms are positioned to have the thumbs outward (pointing lateral/outward). Notice that most diagrams are in this position. This position is based on cadaver dissection and not movement.
Medial vs. Lateral
Medial refers to a location or movement towards the mid-line of the body. Lateral
refers to a location or movement away from the midline. A lot of times, these two are
in relationship to one another. I.e. The bellybutton is medial to the hip.
Dorsal vs. Ventral (Activity)
What about the legs????? Because ventral/dorsal relationship is about movement and not based on the Standard Anatomical Position* the legs are special.
Most directional terms relate to what is known as the “Standard Anatomical Position” where the arms are positioned to have the thumbs outward (pointing lateral/outward). Notice that most diagrams are in this position. This position is based on cadaver dissection and not movement.
Medial vs. Lateral
Medial refers to a location or movement towards the mid-line of the body. Lateral
refers to a location or movement away from the midline. A lot of times, these two are
in relationship to one another. I.e. The bellybutton is medial to the hip.
Dorsal vs. Ventral (Activity)
- Make a V with your fingers (peace sign) and place it on your chest. (‘V’ stands for Ventral).
- Now, turn your hand palm side up and notice that this side of your arm is lighter than the other side. This is the ventral side of your arm. The ventral side will be lighter than the dorsal side.This is a theme through out the animal kingdom. (Yes…you are an animal!)
- Reach back and place your hand on the back of your neck. This is the Dorsal side…remember how a shark has a‘dorsal fin’…baaaadum….baaaadum…(don’t scare yourself)
- In summary, the ventral side of your torso and arms is in the front (lighter side). Now, when you give a peace sign with your hands, the ‘V’ now represents ventral, because you present the ventral side of your arm.
- The back of your torso and arms will be the dorsal side (darker side).
What about the legs????? Because ventral/dorsal relationship is about movement and not based on the Standard Anatomical Position* the legs are special.