Levels of Organization
Atom-->Molecule---> Macro-molecule----> Organelles
Cell
The basic structural and functional unit of life
Tissue
A collection of cells that perform a particular function
-Connective tissue
-Epithelial tissue
-Muscle tissue
-Nervous tissue
Organ
A collection of tissues that perform a particular function.
-Heart
-Brain
-Liver
-Lungs
-Stomach
-Kidneys
-Spleen
-Colon
-Small intestine
Organ Systems
A collection of organs that perform a particular function
Organism
A collection of organ systems that perform homeostasis
Anatomical Position
Common reference point for all anatomical terms
-Standing upright
-Feet parallel and forward
-Arms down at sides
-Palms forward
Directional terms: Superior
Toward the top; Above
Ex.) Your shoulders are superior to your hips
Directional terms: Inferior
Toward the bottom; Below
Directional Terms: Anterior
Anterior: Toward the front
Ex.) Your chest is anterior to your back
Directional Terms: Medial
Medial: Toward the midline of the body.
Ex.) Your nose is medial to your ears.
Directional terms: Lateral
Lateral: Away from the midline of the body.
Directional Terms: Superficial
Away from the deepest internal portion of the body.
Directional terms: Deep
Innermost region; Away from the outer surface of the body.
Ex.) The heart is deep to the rib cage.
Directional Terms: Proximal
ONLY for the extremities
Proximal: Closer to the attachment point
Directional Terms: Distal
Distal: Further away from the attachment point.
Planes of reference
3 fundamental planes of reference used to depict structural arrangement.
Sagittal Plane
A plane that passes lengthwise through the body (front <-->back)
-Divides the body into right and left portions
A plan that divides into equal right and left portions is midsagittal or median.
Coronal Plane
Coronal (frontal): A plane that passes lengthwise through the body (side <---> side)
Sections: Divides the body into ventral and dorsal portions.
Transverse Plane
(Horizontal; cross-sectional): A Plane that passes cross-sectionally through the body.
Sections: Divides the body into cranial and caudal sections