BSC 215 Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab: Syllabus, Course Policies, and Anatomical Terminology

Introduction to Anatomical Terms

Levels of Structural Organization

The human body is organized into hierarchical levels, each with increasing complexity:

• Chemical Level: Atoms and molecules

• Cellular Level: Cells and their organelles

• Tissue Level: Groups of similar cells

• Organ Level: Structures composed of multiple tissue types

• Organ System Level: Groups of organs working together

• Organismal Level: The complete living being

Anatomical Position

• Definition: The standard reference position for anatomical terminology. The body stands upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward.

• Right and Left: Always refer to the subject's right and left, not the observer's.

Directional Terms

Directional terms describe the locations of structures relative to other structures or locations in the body.

• Superior (Cranial): Toward the head

• Inferior (Caudal): Toward the feet

• Anterior (Ventral): Toward the front

• Posterior (Dorsal): Toward the back

• Medial: Toward the midline

• Lateral: Away from the midline

• Intermediate: Between medial and lateral

• Proximal: Closer to the point of attachment

• Distal: Farther from the point of attachment

• Superficial (External): Toward the surface

• Deep (Internal): Away from the surface

Regional Terms

• Axial: Main axis of the body (head, neck, trunk)

• Cephalic: Head

• Cervical: Neck

• Thoracic: Chest

• Abdominal: Abdomen

• Pubic: Genital region

• Dorsal/Ventral: Back/front

• Appendicular: Limbs and their attachments

• Forelimb/Arm/Upper Extremity

• Hindlimb/Leg/Lower Extremity

• Pedal: Foot

Body Planes

Body planes are imaginary lines used to divide the body for anatomical study.

• Sagittal Plane: Divides body into left and right parts

• Median (Midsagittal) Plane: Divides body into equal left and right halves

• Parasagittal Plane: Divides body into unequal left and right parts

• Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides body into anterior and posterior parts

• Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Divides body into superior and inferior parts

• Oblique Plane: Cuts at an angle

Body Cavities

Body cavities are spaces within the body that house organs and are often lined by membranes.

• Dorsal Cavity: Contains the cranial cavity (brain) and vertebral cavity (spinal cord), surrounded by specialized membranes.

• Ventral Cavity: Houses viscera (organs); subdivided into:

  • Thoracic Cavity: Contains pleural cavities (lungs), mediastinum, and pericardial cavity (heart).

  • Abdominopelvic Cavity: Separated from thoracic by diaphragm; includes abdominal cavity (liver, spleen, digestive organs) and pelvic cavity (bladder, reproductive organs, rectum).

• Other Cavities: Oral, nasal, orbital, middle ear, synovial cavities.

Membrane-Lined Spaces

• Serous Membranes: Thin, double-layered membranes lining body cavities and covering organs.

• Visceral Layer: Covers the organ

• Parietal Layer: Lines the cavity wall

• Membranes are named for the cavity they cover (e.g., visceral pleural membrane).

Abdominal Regions and Quadrants

The abdomen is divided for anatomical study and clinical reference:

• Quadrants: Four regions (right upper, left upper, right lower, left lower) used to identify organ locations.

• Regions: Nine regions (e.g., epigastric, hypogastric) for more precise localization.

Organ Systems and Their Functions

Students are expected to identify major organ systems and describe their primary functions. Examples include:

• Integumentary System: Protects body, regulates temperature

• Skeletal System: Supports and protects organs, enables movement

• Muscular System: Produces movement, maintains posture

• Nervous System: Controls body responses, processes information

• Digestive System: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients

• Respiratory System: Exchanges gases (O2 and CO2)

• Cardiovascular System: Transports blood, nutrients, and wastes

• Urinary System: Eliminates waste, regulates water balance

• Reproductive System: Produces offspring

Key Activities and Assignments

• Identify organ systems and their functions (Table 1.4, Figure 1.7)

• Complete directional terminology questions

• Label anatomical figures and diagrams

• Complete online activities via Pearson

Additional info: The syllabus and introductory notes provide a comprehensive overview of essential anatomical terminology, body organization, and course expectations. Students should refer to assigned textbook figures and tables for further detail and practice.