1.04
Name
Date
Period and Class
Teacher
Directional Terminology
Introduction
In this activity, you will learn terminology that will help you navigate human anatomy. Directional terms are words used to
describe the location of one structure in relation to another. These terms are also used to indicate specific locations on
organs or on bones. Regional terms are words used to describe specific regions or locations on the body. You will use
both types of terms throughout the year to orient yourself around the amazing human and to build accurate anatomy on
your Maniken®.
Equipment


Computer with Internet access
Body system graphic organizers
Procedure
Part I: Directional Terms
1. With your partner, brainstorm the meaning of the following word pairs as they relate to areas of the body. Discuss
the words and see if you can pinpoint meaning without doing any research. When you have gone as far as you can
go, use the Internet to check your answers and define all terms on a separate sheet of paper with the heading 1.04
Directional Terms.
Directional Term
Words/things I think of when I see the word
o Anterior; Posterior
o Inferior; Superior
o Medial; Lateral
o Distal; Proximal
o Superficial; Deep
o Ventral; Dorsal
2.
Create a tape flag for each term. Write the name of the term directly on the flag.
3.
Work together to place these tape flags on your skeleton. Choose placement that shows the difference between each
pair of terms. Be able to explain your reasoning. You may find that drawing an arrow on your tape flag will help you
in your explanation.
4.
After you have discussed these terms with your class, return to your skeleton and move any tape flags if necessary.
© 2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
1.04
Name
Date
Period and Class
Teacher
5. On a separate sheet of paper, write one sentence for each term that clearly shows its meaning. Choose organs or
structures from your graphic organizer from 1.03 Amazing Facts or from your prior knowledge of human anatomy to
use in your sentences. Turn this in to your teacher when completed.
Example: The heart is superior to the stomach.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Anterior
Posterior
Inferior
Superior
Medial
Lateral
Distal
Proximal
Superficial
Deep
Ventral
Dorsal
Part II: Regional Terms
To accurately describe body parts and position, scientists have agreed on a standard body orientation, called the anatomical
position. In anatomical position, the body is standing up straight with the arms hanging at the sides and the palms facing
forward.
6.
Locate the area of the body indicated by each of the following regional terms. Some of the terms may be familiar to
you. Use the Internet to research the terms you have not seen before. Copy the terms and definitions on a separate
sheet of paper titled 1.04 Regional Terms.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Abdominal
Antecubital
Axillary
Brachial
Buccal
Calcaneal
Carpal
Cephalic
Cervical
Coxal
Digital
Femoral
Gluteal
Inguinal
Lumbar
Nasal
Occipital
Olecranal
Oral
Orbital
Patellar
Pelvic
Popliteal
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Sacral
Scapular
Sternal
Tarsal
Thoracic
Umbilical
Vertebral
© 2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
1.04
Name
Period and Class
Date
Teacher
7.
Create a tape flag for each regional term and correctly place the flag on the skeleton. Use a different color tape flag
from those you used for the directional terms.
8.
Obtain two new body system graphic organizers. Label these organizers “Regional Terms – Anterior” and “Regional
Terms – Posterior.”
9.
Add information about the regional terms to the organizers. Label each region and briefly describe the meaning of
the term in words that make sense to you.
10. On one of your graphic organizers, use a system of arrows to show the relationships demonstrated by your
directional terms tape flags. For example, you may want to place an arrow running along the arm and write “distal”
and “proximal” at appropriate locations. You already have a visual for anterior and posterior.
11. Remove the regional terms tape flags from the model and place them on the edge of the desk.
12. Review the terms by completing a timed drill. One partner should keep time while the other tries to correctly place all
of the regional terms tape flags.
13. Note the time needed to complete the trial, check the completed work for accuracy and count the number of flags
that are placed incorrectly. Switch roles and allow the other partner to complete the drill.
14. Remove all tape flags from the skeleton.
15. Complete the conclusion questions. Staple your graphic organizers to this packet and turn it into the bin.
Conclusion
1.
What are the benefits of using universal terms and anatomical position to refer to location on the human body? How
do they help identify all humans?
2.
What does it mean if a doctor says he/she is about to dissect the distal end of the popliteal artery?
3.
Your friend assures you that anterior and posterior can always be used interchangeably with ventral and dorsal.
Politely explain to him/her that this statement is not always true. (HINT: think about what these terms mean for fourlegged animals)