Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

Introduction to Organ Systems

Anatomy & Physiology

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

Introduction to Organ Systems

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1:54 minutes

Problem 15

Textbook Question

Assume that the body has been sectioned along three planes: (1) a median plane, (2) a frontal plane, and (3) a transverse plane made at the level of each of the organs listed below. Which organs would be visible in only one or two of these three cases?
a. Urinary bladder
b. Brain
c. Lungs
d. Kidneys
e. Small intestine
f. Heart

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the three anatomical planes mentioned in the problem. The median plane divides the body into left and right halves, the frontal plane divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections, and the transverse plane divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) sections.

Step 2: Analyze the location of each organ in the body. For example, the urinary bladder is located in the pelvic region, the brain is in the cranial cavity, the lungs are in the thoracic cavity, the kidneys are in the abdominal cavity, the small intestine is in the abdominal cavity, and the heart is in the thoracic cavity.

Step 3: Determine which planes would section through each organ. For instance, the median plane would section through organs located along the midline of the body, such as the urinary bladder and heart. The frontal plane would section through organs that span both anterior and posterior regions, such as the lungs and heart. The transverse plane would section through organs based on their superior or inferior positioning, such as the brain and small intestine.

Step 4: Identify organs that would be visible in only one or two of the three planes. For example, organs that are paired and located laterally, such as the kidneys, may not be visible in the median plane but would be visible in the frontal and transverse planes. Similarly, organs located centrally, such as the urinary bladder, may be visible in the median and transverse planes but not the frontal plane.

Step 5: Summarize the visibility of each organ across the three planes based on their anatomical location and orientation. This step involves categorizing each organ as visible in one, two, or all three planes, ensuring clarity in understanding the spatial relationships of the organs within the body.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Anatomical Planes

Anatomical planes are imaginary lines that divide the body into sections, aiding in the study of anatomy. The median plane divides the body into left and right halves, the frontal plane separates the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections, and the transverse plane cuts the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts. Understanding these planes is crucial for visualizing how different organs are positioned relative to one another.

Organ Location and Orientation

Each organ in the body has a specific location and orientation that determines its visibility when sectioned along anatomical planes. For instance, the urinary bladder is located in the pelvic cavity, making it visible in the transverse plane but not in the median or frontal planes. Familiarity with the spatial relationships of organs helps in predicting which will be visible in various sectional views.

Cross-Sectional Imaging

Cross-sectional imaging techniques, such as CT scans or MRIs, utilize the concept of anatomical planes to visualize internal structures. These images provide a detailed view of organs as they appear in different sections, allowing for better diagnosis and understanding of their relationships. This concept is essential for interpreting the visibility of organs when the body is sectioned along the specified planes.

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