Organization of the
Human Body
Chapter 1
Learner Outcome:
• To define and describe the levels of
organization within the human body and to
begin to use the medical and anatomical
terms to describe the body and its relative
positions and structures.
Form Follows Function
• Anatomy is defined as the science of the
structures or forms of living things.
• Physiology is defined as the science of
dealing with the functions and vital
processes of living organisms.
Fig. 1.1
Anatomical Terminology
• Terms that are used to describe the
location of parts, regions, and planes on
which the body can be sectioned.
• All anatomical terms are based on the
body being in anatomical position.
• Is anatomical position universal for all
animals?
Anatomical Terms
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Anterior
Posterior
Dorsal
Ventral
Superior
Inferior
Medial
Lateral
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Proximal
Distal
Superficial
Deep
Central
Peripheral
Caudal
Cranial
Cephalic
Fig. 1.2
Body Regions
• Axial and appendicular portions.
• Axial (axis): head, neck, and trunk.
(Trunk: thorax, abdomen, and pelvis)
• Appendicular: limbs and their associated
girdles.
• Try: cephalic, cervical, brachial, antebrachial,
femoral, crural, gluteal, vertebral, umbilical,
coxal, pectoral, genital.
Fig. 1.3
Planes and Sections
• Invisible, imaginary plane cut through the
body to section it.
• Sagittal (Mid and para)
• Frontal (Coronal)
• Transverse (Horizontal)
Fig. 1.4
Cavities and Membranes
• The first divisions of the body that are made are:
posterior and anterior.
• Cavities and the organs (viscera) of the cavities
are lined with membranes. Why do you think
this is?
• Posterior cavities: Cranial, vertebral.
• Posterior membranes: meninges (3).
• Anterior cavities: Thoracic, abdominopelvic.
• Anterior membranes: serous
TA p06
Serous Membranes
• Visceral membrane – in contact with the
organ (viscera) itself.
• Parietal membrane – the outer membrane.
• Serous fluid – similar fluid as serum found
in between the visceral and parietal layers.
• Examples: pleura, pericardium,
peritoneum.
Fig. 1.5a
Fig. 1.5b
1.1
Fig. 1.6
End of Directional Terminology