Anatomy & Physiology I and II

Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide

1.1 Superficial Anatomy There are many branches of gross anatomy. Some involve the study of superficial structures of the body; others delve deeper to focus on internal organs, their composition, and their function. Superficial anatomy requires a familiarity with anatomical landmarks (palpable structures), anatomical regions (specific areas used for reference purposes), and anatomical directions. This knowledge will make the material in subsequent chapters more understandable. Whenever a text refers to the human body regarding landmarks, regions, and directional terms, unless it is otherwise noted, the body is assumed to be in the anatomical position . This position means the body is erect, feet are slightly apart, arms are down by the sides with palms facing forward, and thumbs are pointing away from the body. If a body is lying down flat, it is either on its back or on its abdomen. A body that is face up and lying on its back is described to be supine , whereas a body lying on its abdomen is described as prone . These descriptors are important for communication. Anatomical Landmarks Important anatomical landmarks are presented below. Understanding the terms and their etymology (origins) help professionals to remember both the location of a structure and its name. For example, brachium refers to the arm; therefore, brachialis muscle and the brachial artery are (as their names suggest) in the arm. Anatomical Regions Clinicians refer to four abdominopelvic quadrants formed by a pair of imaginary perpendicular lines that intersect at the umbilicus (navel). These quadrants are the right upper quadrant (RUQ), right lower quadrant (RLQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), and left lower quadrant (LLQ). These are commonly used in medical documentation and communication. For physicians, location is integral for determination of the possible cause of disease; for example, tenderness in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) is a symptom of appendicitis. Anatomists recognize nine abdominopelvic regions as a more precise description of location.

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