Basic Structural Levels
Cells - simplest structural level, cells have structural differences that are closely related to the physiology of each cell type
Tissues groups of similar cells joined together to carry out specific functions
Epithelial - outer protective layer of body, lines various body cavities,ducts, vessels, and, covers the body surface.
Muscular capable of contraction, allows movement, ie. Flow of blood, movement of food through the alimentary canal.
Nervous - transmits messages throughout the body
Connective - varies considerably in form and function. Supports the skeleton, provides attachment of other tissues. I.e. Blood, lymph, adipose, cartilage, loose, dense and irregular connective tissues.
Organs two or more tissues combined to perform complex tasks.
Each organ is a specialized physiologic center for the body. Ie. The stomach- walls are muscular, lined with epithelial cells, held with connective tissue, and enervated by nervous tissue.
Systems certain organs working together, each organ performing a specific part of the human body system. Organs that function cooperatively to accomplish a common purpose.
Integumentary skin, hair, nails
Skeletal - bones
Muscular - muscles
Nervous brain, spinal cord, nerves, sense organs
Endocrine - hormone secreting glands
Circulatory heart, blood and lymph, blood and lymphatic vessels

Respiratory -nose, trachea, lungs
Digestive - mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, salivary glands, small and large intestines
Urinary - kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra Reproductive- ovaries, uterus, prostate, testes.
Reproductive ovaries, uterus, prostate, testes
Body Positions
The standard reference body position is called the “anatomical” position. The body is erect with feet together, limbs at the side, palms facing forward, thumbs pointing away from the body.
Prone body horizontal, face down
Supine body horizontal, face up

Directional Terms
Paired terms, each indication opposite directions. There are different terms when relating to humans and other animals
Lateral - away from the midline of the body
Anterior (Ventral) the front of the body, situated in front of
Posterior (Dorsal) the back of the body, situated in back of
Superior (Cranial) toward the head, relatively higher in position
Inferior (Caudal) away from the head, relatively lower in position
Medial toward the midline of the body
Lateral away from the midline of the body
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Regional Terms-refer to special areas of the body
Cervical refer to the neck
Palmar the anterior surface of the hand; the posterior surface of the hand is the dorsal surface
Plantar the sole of the foot
Sacral the lower portion of the back, just superior to the buttocks
Lumbar the portion of the back between the thorax and the pelvis
Thoracic- the portion of the body between the neck and the abdomen that is commonly referred to as the chest or thorax
Dorsum the top of the foot
Axilla (armpit) the depression on the inferior surface of the attachment of the upper limb and the body trunk
Groin (inguinal region) the junction of the thigh with the abdominal wall
Arm the portion of the upper limb between the shoulder and the elbow
Forearm the potion of the upper limb between the elbow and the wrist
Thigh the portion of the lower limb between the hip and knee
Leg the portion of the lower limb between the knee and ankle

Body Planes
In anatomy it is necessary to visualize the body sectioned in planes of reference.
•Median sagittal plane- Longitudinal sections that divides the body in equal left and right sections.
•Parasagittal plane- Longitudinal section that divides the body in unequal left and right sections.
•Frontal (coronal) plane- Runs at right angle to the sagittal plane.
Divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.
•Transverse (horizontal or cross-section) plane- Divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Body cavities-
They are lined with membranes and contains fluid which surrounds structures within the cavities.
Dorsal or Posterior Cavity- Contains:
1.
the cranial cavity and the spinal cavity
2.
The cranial cavity contains the brain.
3.
The spinal cavity contains the spinal cord.
Ventral or Anterior Cavity- Contains:
The thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity
The thoracic cavity consists of the pericardial cavity and the pleural cavity

The pericardial cavity contains the heart.

The pleural cavity contains the left and right lungs.
The abdominopelvic cavityconsists of the abdominal cavity and the pelvic cavity, “true pelvis”.

The abdominal cavity contains the stomach, spleen, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and small & large intestines.
 The pelvic cavity (“true pelvis”) contains the bladder, rectum, and female internal reproductive organs.

The abdominal cavity is divided into nine regions for easier identification
Cavities:
•Right hypochondriac
•Epigastric
•Left hypochondriac
•Right lumbar
•Umbilical (Surrounds the umbilicus)
•Left lumbar
•Right iliac (inguinal)
•Hypogastric
•Left iliac (inguinal)

Etymology:
•“epi” on or above
•“gastric” – refers to stomach
•“hypo” beneath or under
•“chondral”- refers to cartilage