Directional terms:  ***

Proximal/Distal

(arms/legs only)

Toward the trunk (in close proximity to)

Away from the trunk (distant from)

Levels of organization

a.

1.

2.

3.

b.

1.

2.

c.

1.

2.

Sub-cellular

1. Atoms

2. Molecules

3. Organelles

Microscopic

1. Cells

2. Tissues

Macroscopic

1. Organs

2. Organ Systems

Directional terms:

Superior/Inferior

above or over

under or below

Anatomy

Physiology

Study of where stuff is, what it is

Study of how it works

Directional Terms:

Medial/Lateral

Toward the middle/toward the outside

Planes:

Sagittal

Longitudinal cut, right and left half

Mid sagittal -- equal halves (between the eyes)

Para sagittal -- unequal halves

Directional Terms

Posterior/Anterior

Planes

Frontal or coronal

Planes

Transverse Plane

Top and bottom halves

(like a magician cuts the assistant)

Body Cavities

Dorsal

(two things)

Cranial (brain)

Vertebral (spinal cord)

Body Cavities

Ventral Cavity

(three parts)

1. Thoracic (heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea)
2. Abdominal (stomach, liver, spleen, gall bladder, small and large intestine)
3. Pelvic (terminal end of the large intestine, urinary bladder, reproductive organs)

Planes

(three types)

• Sagittal
• Frontal
• Transverse