INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY, ANATOMICAL

POSITION, PLANE &TERMS

Dr. SK SHAH
DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY
NOBEL MEDICAL COLLEGE
 Anatomy ?
• Derived from Greek word
“anatome” means cutting
up.
• Dissection is more
technical.
• The preserved dead body
used for anatomical study=
cadaver.
• The process of preserving a
dead body for anatomical
study= embalming.
 Subdivisions of anatomy

1. Cadaveric anatomy:
2. Living anatomy:
3. Embryology:
4. Histology (microscopic anatomy):
5. Surface anatomy (topographic anatomy):
6. Radiographic and imaging anatomy:
7. Comparative anatomy:
8. Applied anatomy (clinical anatomy):
9. Experimental anatomy:
 1.Cadaveric anatomy

 Studied on dead embalmed (preserved) bodies

usually with the nacked eyes.

 This can be done by one of the two approaches;

a) Regional basis—
b) Systemic basis--
 2. Living anatomy

• Is studied by inspection, palpation, percussion,

ausculation, endoscopy, radiographic,
electromyography, etc.
 3. Embryology (developmental anatomy)

• Study of prenatal
developmental changes
in an individual .
 4. Histology (microscopic anatomy)

• Is the study of
structures with the aid
of a microscope.
 5. Surface anatomy (topographic anatomy)

• Is the study of deeper

parts of the body in
relation to the skin
surface.

• Helpful in clinical
practice and surgical
operations.
 6. Radiographic and imaging anatomy

• Is the study of the

bones and deeper
organs by plain and
contrast radiography by
ultrasound and CT
scan.
 7. Comprative anatomy

• Is the study of anatomy

of other animals to
explain the changes in
form, structure and
function of different
parts of the body.
 8. Applied anatomy (clinical anatomy)

• Deals with the application of anatomical knowledge

to the medical and surgical practice.
 9. Experimental anatomy

 Is the study of the factors which influence and

determine the form, structure and function of
different parts of the body.
 HISTORY OF ANATOMY

Greek period (B.C.)

 Hippocrates– father of medicine. Regarded as one
of the founder of anatomy.
 Herophilus – father of anatomy.

 Leonardo da Vinci- originator of cross-sectional

anatomy (15th century)
 Vesalius- Founder of modern anatomy.
 Important terms and concepts

• Terms of positions:
1. Anatomical positions:
When a person is
standing straight with
eyes looking forwards,
Anatomical position
both arms by the side
of body, palms facing
forwards, both feet
together.
2. Supine position:
 When a person is lying
on his/her back, arms by
the side, palms facing
upwards and feet put
together.
3. Prone position:
 Person lying on his/her
face, chest and
abdomen is said to be
in prone position.
4. Lithotomy position:
 Person lying on her
back with legs up and
feet supported in
straps.
 This position is mostly
used during delivary
of the baby.
Terms of Plane

 Median or midsagittal
plane
 Sagittal plane
 Coronal plane
 Transverse plane
 Oblique plane
 Terms used in Anatomy

 Ventral or anterior  Superficial

 Dorsal or posterior  Deep
 Medial  Ipsilateral
 Lateral  Contralateral
 Proximal/Cranial/Superior  Invagination
 Distal/Caudal/Inferior  Evagination
 Plantar
 Palmar
 Terms related to movement

 Flexion  Pronation
 Extension  Supination
 Abduction  Protraction
 Adduction  Retraction
 Medial rotation  Elevation
 Lateral rotation  Depression
 Circumduction  Opposition of thumb
 Terms used for Describing Muscles

1. Origin
2. Insertion
3. Belly
4. Tendon
5. Aponeurosis
6. Raphe
 Terms used for describing vessels

1. Arteries: carry
oxygenated blood
except, ……?
2. Veins: carry
deoxygenated blood
except,….?
3. Capillaries:
4. Anastomosis:
 Terms used for describing Bone Features

a) Elevations: -- Linear, Sharp, rounded or irregular.

b) Depressions: may be pit, impression, fovea, fossa,
groove, or notch.
c) Openings: foramen, canal, hiatus, or aqueduct.
d) Cavities: sinus, or antrum.
e) Smooth articular areas: may be facet, condyle,
head, capitulum or trochlea.
 Terms Used in Clinical Anatomy
• The suffix: “-itis” ,means inflamation, eg. Appendicitis,
tonsilitis, arthritis, etc.

• “-ectomy” ,means removal from the body, e.g.

appendicectomy, tonsillectomy, gasterectomy, etc.

• “-otomy” ,means to open and then close a hollow organ,

e.g. laprotomy, cystotomy, hysterotomy, etc.

• “-ostomy” ,means to open hollow organ and leave it open,

e.g. tracheostomy, colostomy, etc.

• “-oma” ,means a tumour, e.g. lipoma, osteoma,

carcinoma, etc.
 Arrangement of structures in the body from
inside outside

1. Bones : forms supporting framework of the body.

2. Muscles: attached to the bones.
3. Blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics form
neurovascular bundles which course in between
the muscles.
4. The thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities contain
several internal organs called viscera.
5. The whole body has 3 general coverings, namely:
(a) skin; (b) superficial fascia; and (c) deep fascia.
Position of viscera in thoracic cavity
Position of viscera in abdominal cavity
Position of viscera in pelvic cavity
THANK YOU