Introduction to APH
The Objectives :
Students should be able to :
1. name each organ system as well as the various components and
function that make up each system
2. apply directional terms appropriately
3. apply regional terms appropriately
4. identify and apply the various body planes
5. identify the various body membranes and cavities
6. identify and apply the various body regions and example of an
organ in each
7. identify and apply the body quadrants
8. identify and apply the body positions
9. identify and apply the body joints
APH = Anatomy & Physiology
1. Anatomy = Structure
(form)
2. Physiology = Function
"All specific functions are
performed by specific structures!"
I.
Structural Organization/Organ Systems :
Organ System
Components
Function
Integumentary
Skin, hair, nails
Protection
Skeletal
Bones
Support/Protection
Nervous
Brain, spinal cord,
nerves, sense organs
Receive/Transmit
Impulses
Muscular
Muscles
Movement
Endocrine
Pituitary, Thyroid,
Parathyroid, Pineal,
Thymus, Adrenal,
Pancreas, Ovary, and
Testis
Metabolism/Homeostasis
Cardiovascular
Heart, blood, blood
vessels
Transport
Lymphatic
Lymph vessels and
lymph nodes
Transport/Cleanses blood
Respiratory
Nose, Trachea, Lungs
Gas Exchange
Digestive
Mouth, Esophagus,
Stomach, Pancreas,
Gall Bladder,
Intestines, and Colon
Breakdown and
absorption of foods
Urinary
Kidneys, Ureters,
Bladder, and Urethra
Waste Processing and
Elimination
Reproduction
Gonads
Propagation
II. Anatomical Position :
When looking at the models in lab be sure to
remember standard anatomical position which is a
reference position for describing the location of
particular body parts in reference to each other.
Imagine the body as if it were standing, with eyes
aimed at the horizon, arms resting at sides with
palms forward.
A. Directional terms :
anterior (ventral)=front
posterior (dorsal)=back
superior (cranial)=upper
inferior (caudal)=lower
medial=midline
lateral=away from midline
intermediate=between medial and lateral
proximal=point of origin
distal=away from origin
superficial=external/surface
deep=internal/beneath surface
parietal=associated with body wall
visceral=associated with organ
B. Regional Terms :
cephalic=head
brachial=arm
frontal=forehead antecubital=front elbow
nasal=nose
olecranal=back elbow
orbital=eye
antebrachial=forearm
buccal=cheek
popliteal=posterior
oral=mouth
knee
cervical=neck
sural=calf
mental=chin
carpal=wrist
acromial=shoulder
palmar=palm
sternal=breast
pollex=thumb
bone
digital=fingers/toes
axillary=armpit
pubic=genital
thoracic=chest
patellar=anterior knee
mammary=breast
crural=leg
tarsal=ankle
hallux=big toe
occipital=base of skull
vertebral=spinal
scapular=shoulder blade
dorsum=back
lumbar=loin
sacral=between hips
perineal=between anus and
genitalia
femoral=thigh
calcaneal=heel
plantar=sole
C. Body Planes. :
Orientation of Plane
Adjective
midsagittal - separates into equal right and left portions, it
is the mid-line of the body
parallel to the long
axis
parasigittal - separates into unequal right and left portions
frontal (coronal) - parallel to the axis and separates the
body into anterior and posterior portions
perpendicular to the
long axis
transverse - separates the body into superior and inferior
portions
diagonal to the long
axis
oblique - any which intersects the axis at other than a right
angle, separating the body on a diagonal
D. Body Cavities and Membranes :
i. Cavities :


a. cranial cavity--within skull, contains brain
b. spinal cavity--within vertebral canal, contains spinal cord
c. thoracic cavity--within rib cage, floor is diaphragm
(1) right and left pleural cavities--contain lungs
(2) pericardial cavity--contains heart and is part
of the mediastinum
d.. abdomino-pelvic cavity--occupies much of lower front torso
(1) abdominal cavity--contains stomach, liver,
spleen, kidneys, most of the intestine .
(2) pelvic cavity--contains the urinary bladder
+ the reproductive system
ii. Membranes :

Serous = Parietal (covers cavity) and Visceral
(covers organ)

Fibrous = non-fluid filled, structural
E. Body Regions :
right hypochondriac
epigastric
left hypochondriac
right lumbar
umbilical
left lumbar
right illiac
hypogastric
left illiac
F. Body Quadrant :
Right Upper Left Upper
Right Lower Left Lower