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

Anatomical Position

Anatomy & Physiology

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomical Position

Previous problemNext problem

2:05 minutes

Problem 19

Textbook Question

Why is an understanding of the anatomical position important?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that the anatomical position is a standardized reference point used in anatomy to describe the location and orientation of body parts. It involves the body standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

Recognize that the anatomical position eliminates ambiguity when describing the relative positions of structures in the body. Terms like 'anterior,' 'posterior,' 'medial,' and 'lateral' are defined based on this position.

Learn that the anatomical position is essential for communication among healthcare professionals and scientists, ensuring consistency in descriptions of injuries, diseases, or surgical procedures.

Explore how the anatomical position serves as the basis for directional terms and planes of the body, such as sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes, which are used to divide the body into sections for study or medical imaging.

Appreciate that understanding the anatomical position helps in interpreting diagrams, models, and medical imaging, as these are typically presented in this standardized orientation.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Anatomical Position

The anatomical position is a standardized posture used in anatomy to ensure clear communication about the location of body parts. In this position, a person stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward. This reference point allows for consistent descriptions of anatomical structures and their relationships.

Directional Terms

Directional terms are specific vocabulary used to describe the locations of structures in relation to one another in the body. Terms such as anterior (front), posterior (back), superior (above), and inferior (below) are based on the anatomical position. Understanding these terms is crucial for accurately describing the anatomy and facilitating effective communication in medical and educational contexts.

Clinical Relevance

Understanding the anatomical position is clinically relevant as it aids healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating conditions. It provides a common framework for discussing surgical approaches, imaging techniques, and physical examinations. A clear grasp of this position enhances the ability to convey information accurately among medical teams and improves patient care.

Watch next

Master Anatomical Position with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

A parasagittal section divides the body or body part into:

a. Equal right and left parts

b. Front and back parts

c. Superior/proximal and inferior/distal parts

d. Unequal right and left parts

608

views

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The anatomical position features the person facing forward, feet shoulder-width apart, and palms facing posteriorly.

458

views

Textbook Question

Match the following terms with the correct definition.

Anterior: -----------a. Toward the back

Lateral:------------b. Closer to the midline

Proximal: ----------c. Farther away from the point of origin

Posterior:----------d. Toward the front

Inferior:------------e. Closer to the point of origin

Distal:------------- f. Toward the head

Medial: -----------g. Away from the body's midline

Superior:----------- h. Toward the tail

473

views

Textbook Question

The upper and lower limbs are known broadly as the________ region.

a. Appendicular

b. Axial

c. Crural

d. Dorsal

409

views

Textbook Question

Use as many directional terms as you can to describe the relationship between the elbow's olecranal region and your palm.

1062

views

Textbook Question

At the clinic, Harry was told that blood would be drawn from his antecubital region. What body part was Harry asked to hold out? Later, the nurse came in and gave Harry a shot of penicillin in the area just distal to his acromial region. Did Harry take off his shirt or drop his pants to receive the injection? Before Harry left, the nurse noticed that Harry had a nasty bruise on his gluteal region. What part of his body was black and blue?

728

views

Multiple Choice

In the anatomical position, how should you hold your hands during a surgical scrub?

108

views

Multiple Choice

In which position should the client be placed for a thoracentesis?

112

views

Show more practices