Anatomy and Embryology: Anatomical Definitions

Professor Information

• Professor: Dr. Noha Issa
• Position: Professor of Anatomy & Embryology

First Lecture

• Topic: Anatomical Definitions

Anatomical Definitions

• Anatomy: The science of understanding the structural organization of the human body.

Anatomical Position

• Standing erect with:
  • Arms straight
  • Legs together
  • Eyes and palms facing forward

Anatomical Planes

• Imaginary planes used to dissect the body
• Median Plane: Vertical plane through the center, dividing the body into equal right and left halves.
• Sagittal Plane: Vertical plane parallel to the median plane, dividing the body into unequal right and left halves.
• Coronal (Frontal) Plane: Vertical plane at right angles to the median plane, dividing the body into unequal anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.
• Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Horizontal plane, at a right angle to the median, sagittal, or coronal planes, dividing the body into unequal upper and lower parts.

Abdominal Regions/Quadrants

• Regions: Divided into 9 sections (e.g., right hypochondriac, epigastric, left hypochondriac)
• Quadrants: Divided into 4 sections (e.g., right upper quadrant, left lower quadrant)

Directional Terms

• Medial/Lateral: Position relative to the median plane (midline)
  • Medial: Nearer to the midline
  • Lateral: Further from the midline
• Anterior/Posterior (Ventral/Dorsal): Positions relative to the front and back of the body.
  • Anterior (Ventral): Toward the front
  • Posterior (Dorsal): Toward the back
• Superior/Inferior (Cephalic/Caudal): Positions relative to the head and feet.
  • Superior (Cephalic): Toward the head
  • Inferior (Caudal): Toward the feet
• Proximal/Distal: Positions relative to the point of attachment of a limb.
  • Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment
  • Distal: Further from the point of attachment
• Ipsilateral/Contralateral: Positions relative to the same or opposite side of the body.
  • Ipsilateral: Same side
  • Contralateral: Opposite side
• Superficial/Deep: Positions relative to the surface of the body.
  • Superficial: Closer to the surface
  • Deep: Further from the surface

Anatomical Movements

• Flexion/Extension: Bending/straightening a joint
• Abduction/Adduction: Movement away from/towards the midline of the body
• Rotation: Turning a body part on its axis
• Supination/Pronation: Palms facing forward/backward
• Protrusion/Retrusion: Movement outward/inward
• Inversion/Eversion: Sole of foot inward/outward
• Dorsiflexion/Plantar Flexion: Bending foot upward/downward
• Thumb movements: Specific movements (e.g., abduction, adduction, opposition, reposition)

Test your knowledge of anatomical definitions, including the anatomical position and various anatomical planes. This quiz will evaluate your understanding of key concepts in anatomy as taught by Dr. Noha Issa. Prepare to explore the structural organization of the human body.