The Human Body

Scope of Presentation

 Anatomical Terms

 Body Systems
 Anatomical Terms

It is important to describe a patient

position, direction and location to other
medical personnel.

Using correct terms will help you

communicate the extent of a patient’s injury
quickly and accurately.
 Terms of Position
Anatomical position. A patient’s body
stands erect with arms down at the sides,
palms facing forward. “Right” and “left” refer
to the patient’s right and left.

Supine position. The patient is lying face

up on his or her back

Prone position. The patient is lying face

down on her or his stomach.

Lateral recumbent position. The patient is

lying on the left or right side. This is also
known as the recovery position.
Terms of Direction & Location
Superior – means toward or closer to the head
Inferior – means toward or closer to the feet

Anterior – toward the front

Posterior – toward the back

Medial – toward the midline or center of the body

Lateral – refers to the left or right of the midline

Proximal – close to the point of reference

Distal – distant or far away from the point of reference

Superficial – near the surface

Deep – remote or far from the surface

Internal – means inside

External – means outside
 Body Cavity

A body cavity is a
hollow place in the
body that contains
organs such as heart,
lungs and liver.
 Five Major Cavities
Cranial Cavity – location : head
contents: brain
protection: skull.

Spinal cavity- location: bottom of skull to

the lower back.
contents:spinal cord
protection: bones of the
spine.

Thoracic cavity/-location: trunk between the

Chest cavity diaphragm neck.
contents: heart, lungs, etc
protection: rib cage and upper
portion of the spine .
 Abdominal - location: trunk between
cavity diaphragm and pelvis.
contents: liver,pancreas,
intestines, stomach,
kidneys and spleen.
protection: not protected by
any bone.

Pelvic cavity – location:pelvis

contents: bladder, rectum and
reproductive organs
protection : pelvic bones and
lower portion of the
spine.
Thank you!

Let’s have a break!