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HomeHomework HelpanatomyAnatomical Reference Positions

Anatomical Reference Positions

Standardized body positions used as a basis for describing joint movements, muscle actions, and anatomical landmarks, including the anatomical position, fundamental position, and other reference positions such as fetal, hook lying, lateral recumbent, long sitting, prone, and supine positions

beginner
2 hours
Anatomy
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Overview

Anatomical reference positions are essential for understanding human anatomy and communication in medical contexts. The standard anatomical position provides a clear framework for describing the location and orientation of body parts. By learning about the different planes of the body and directiona...

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Key Terms

Anatomical Position
The standard position of the body, standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward.

Example: In the anatomical position, the body is used as a reference for describing locations.

Sagittal Plane
A vertical plane that divides the body into right and left parts.

Example: Movements like flexion and extension occur in the sagittal plane.

Frontal Plane
A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts.

Example: Abduction and adduction movements occur in the frontal plane.

Transverse Plane
A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Example: Rotational movements occur in the transverse plane.

Superior
Refers to a position above another part of the body.

Example: The head is superior to the neck.

Inferior
Refers to a position below another part of the body.

Example: The stomach is inferior to the heart.

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Key Concepts

Anatomical PositionPlanes of the BodyDirectional TermsBody Cavities