Health Sciences 2300A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Median Plane, Transverse Plane, Pericardium
15 Dec 2016
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Introduction to Systemic and Functional Anatomy
Henry Grey was one of the world’s first anatomists. In 1858, he was a surgeon. He documented and illustrated the human body.
The intention was to provide a book for the learning of anatomy for medical students. He came out with a book called Grey’s
Anatomy, which is the number one textbook to use.
Regional Anatomy vs. Systemic Anatomy
Regional anatomy usually comes from the dissection of a cadaver. When dissecting cadavers, you have to use a regional
approach. It involves picking a region and identifying all of the structures. For example, you might focus solely on the thoracic
cavity and identify all of the organs inside of the cavity, regardless of what system they are a part of.
Systemic anatomy is a newer method of teaching anatomy. It involves studying each of the systems in the body individually. For
example, you would study only the structures of the cardiovascular system, regardless of where they may be located inside of the
body.
Anatomical Nomenclature
Anatomical language is necessary for there to be a common understanding. The language must be clear and consistent, which is
important in a hospital setting, for example. It includes the use of anatomical directions, regions, and landmarks.
The Anatomical Position
The anatomical position creates a compass of the body. It involves the position as seen on the left. The subject
is standing with their feet apart and palms facing forward.
There are a number of different terms used to navigate the body. All of these terms make reference to the
anatomical position:
Medial is closer to the midline of the body, while lateral is further from the midline of the body. For example,
the shoulder is lateral to the nose. The nose is medial to the shoulder.
Superior is towards the head while inferior is towards the feet. For example, the knee is inferior to the pelvis.
The pelvis is superior to the knee.
Proximal is towards the axial skeleton, while distal is away from the axial skeleton. For example, the elbow is
proximal to the hand. The hand is distal to the elbow.
Planes of Reference
Planes of reference are used to describe the view that you have of the anatomical position. A frontal/coronal plane separates the
body into anterior and posterior portions. A sagittal plane separates the body into a left and a right portion. The sagittal plane can
further be divided into two different types of planes: a midsagittal plane is one that goes right down the midline, while a
parasagittal plane is any other sagittal cut that isn’t on the midline. Finally, a transverse plane is a horizontal plane that divides
the body into a superior and inferior portion. The transverse plane is common in abdominal scans.
Body Cavities
Body cavities are located especially in central areas within the body. They have clearly-defined spaces. They protect vital organs
and help to regionally organize the human body. For example, the pericardial cavity contains the heart.
Body Compartments
Body compartments are important for understanding muscles. Using them, you can group muscles together and organize them
within a compartment. All of the muscles within one compartment are very similar to one-another. Body compartments are
separated by joints and fascia. The fascia encapsulates the muscles. The compartments change size, but they do not change name.
Muscles within a compartment share a similar developmental origin. Perhaps, at one point, it was only a single muscle that
eventually split up. These muscles also share a similar function, or a group of functions. They often have a similar innervation,
meaning that the nerve that stimulates each muscle to contract is often the same.
Body Organization
Chemical level → cellular level → tissue level → organ level → system level → organismal level
Atoms come together to form molecules. These molecules come in all different kinds, sizes, and shapes. It is these molecules that
come together in a unique fashion to form individual cells. How these cells are constructed is what makes them unique from one-
another.
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Document Summary
Henry grey was one of the world"s first anatomists. The intention was to provide a book for the learning of anatomy for medical students. He came out with a book called grey"s. Anatomy, which is the number one textbook to use. Regional anatomy usually comes from the dissection of a cadaver. When dissecting cadavers, you have to use a regional approach. It involves picking a region and identifying all of the structures. For example, you might focus solely on the thoracic cavity and identify all of the organs inside of the cavity, regardless of what system they are a part of. Systemic anatomy is a newer method of teaching anatomy. It involves studying each of the systems in the body individually. For example, you would study only the structures of the cardiovascular system, regardless of where they may be located inside of the body. Anatomical language is necessary for there to be a common understanding.
