e x e r c i s e

The Language
of Anatomy
O b j e c t i v e s
1. To describe the anatomical position verbally or by
demonstration, and to explain its importance.
2. To use proper anatomical terminology to describe
body directions, planes, and surfaces.
3. To name the body cavities and indicate the impor-
tant organs in each.
M a t e r i a l s
Human torso model (dissectible)
Human skeleton
Demonstration: sectioned and labeled kidneys
[three separate kidneys uncut or cut so that (a)
entire, (b) transverse sectional, and (c) longitudi-
nal sectional views are visible]
Gelatin-spaghetti molds
Scalpel
M
ost of us are naturally curious about our bodies.
This fact is amply demonstrated by infants, who are
fascinated with their own waving hands or their
mothers nose. Unlike the infant, however, the stu-
dent of anatomy must learn to observe and identify the dis-
sectible body structures formally.
When beginning the study of any science, the student is
often initially overcome by jargon unique to the subject. The
study of anatomy is no exception. But without this special-
ized terminology, confusion is inevitable. For example, what
do over, on top of, superficial to, above, and behind mean in
reference to the human body? Anatomists have an accepted
set of reference terms that are universally understood. These
allow body structures to be located and identified with a min-
imum of words and a high degree of clarity.
This exercise presents some of the most important
anatomical terminology used to describe the body and intro-
duces you to basic concepts of gross anatomy, the study of
body structures visible to the naked eye.
Anatomical Position
When anatomists or doctors refer to specific areas of the hu-
man body, they do so in accordance with a universally ac-
cepted standard position called the anatomical position. It is
essential to understand this position because much of the
body terminology employed in this book refers to this body
positioning, regardless of the position the body happens to be
in. In the anatomical position the human body is erect, with
the feet only slightly apart, head and toes pointed forward,
and arms hanging at the sides with palms facing forward
(Figure 1).
Assume the anatomical position, and notice that it is not
particularly comfortable. The hands are held unnaturally for-
ward rather than hanging partially cupped toward the thighs.
Surface Anatomy
Body surfaces provide a wealth of visible landmarks for
study of the body (Figure 1).
Axial: relating to head, neck, and trunk, the axis of the body.
Appendicular: relating to limbs and their attachments to the
axis.
Anteri or Body Landmarks
Note the following regions in Figure 2a:
Abdominal: Pertaining to the anterior body trunk region in-
ferior to the ribs.
Acromial: Pertaining to the point of the shoulder.
From Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Manual, Seventh Edition, Elaine N. Marieb. Copyright 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as
Benjamin Cummings. All rights reserved
Antebrachial: Pertaining to the forearm.
Antecubital: Pertaining to the anterior surface of the elbow.
Axillary: Pertaining to the armpit
Brachial: Pertaining to the arm
Buccal: Pertaining to the cheek
Carpal: Pertaining to the wrist
Cervical: Pertaining to the neck region
Coxal: Pertaining to the hip
Crural: Pertaining to the leg
Digital: Pertaining to the fingers or toes
Femoral: Pertaining to the thigh
Frontal: Pertaining to the forehead
Hallux: Pertaining to the great toe
Inguinal: Pertaining to the groin
Mammary: Pertaining to the breast
Mental: Pertaining to the chin
Nasal: Pertaining to the nose
Oral: Pertaining to the mouth
Orbital: Pertaining to the bony eye socket (orbit)
Palmar: Pertaining to the palm of the hand
Patellar: Pertaining to the anterior knee (kneecap) region
Pedal: Pertaining to the foot
Pelvic: Pertaining to the pelvis region
Fibular (peroneal): Pertaining to the side of the leg
Pollex: Pertaining to the thumb
Pubic: Pertaining to the genital region
Sternal: Pertaining to the region of the breastbone
Tarsal: Pertaining to the ankle
Thoracic: Pertaining to the chest
Umbilical: Pertaining to the navel
The Language of Anatomy
Fi gure 1 Anatomical position.
Neck
Head
Thorax
Abdomen
Trunk
region
Pelvis
Perineum
Appendicular
region: Limbs
Axial
region
Posteri or Body Landmarks
Note the following body surface regions in Figure 1.2b:
Acromial: Pertaining to the point of the shoulder
Brachial: Pertaining to the arm
Calcaneal: Pertaining to the heel of the foot
Cephalic: Pertaining to the head
Dorsum: Pertaining to the back
Femoral: Pertaining to the thigh
Gluteal: Pertaining to the buttocks or rump
Lumbar: Pertaining to the area of the back between the ribs
and hips; the loin
Manus: Pertaining to the hand
Occipital: Pertaining to the posterior aspect of the head or
base of the skull
Olecranal: Pertaining to the posterior aspect of the elbow
Otic: Pertaining to the ear
Perineal: Pertaining to the region between the anus and ex-
ternal genitalia
Plantar: Pertaining to the sole of the foot
Popliteal: Pertaining to the back of the knee
Sacral: Pertaining to the region between the hips (overlying
the sacrum)
Scapular: Pertaining to the scapula or shoulder blade area
Sural: Pertaining to the calf or posterior surface of the leg
Vertebral: Pertaining to the area of the spinal column
Ac t i v i t y 1 :
Locati ng Body Regi ons
Locate the anterior and posterior body landmarks on your-
self, your lab partner, and a human torso model before
continuing. I
The Language of Anatomy
Fi gure 2 Surface anatomy. (a) Anterior body landmarks. (b) Posterior body landmarks.
Nasal (nose)
Oral (mouth)
Cervical (neck)
Acromial
(point of shoulder)
Axillary (armpit)
Brachial (arm)
Antecubital
(front of elbow)
Abdominal
(abdomen)
Pelvic (pelvis)
Antebrachial
(forearm)
Carpal (wrist)
Palmar
(palm)
Pollex
(thumb)
Digital
(fingers)
Pubic (genital region)
Patellar
(anterior knee)
Crural (leg)
Tarsal (ankle)
Pedal
(foot) Digital (toes)
Brachial (arm)
Otic (ear)
Occipital (back of
head or base of
skull)
Acromial
(point of shoulder)
Vertebral
(spinal column)
Scapular
(shoulder blade)
Dorsum or dorsal
(back)
Olecranal
(back of elbow)
Lumbar (loin)
Sacral
(between hips)
Gluteal (buttock)
Perineal
(region between
the anus and
external genitalia)
Femoral (thigh)
Popliteal
(back of knee)
Sural (calf)
Calcaneal (heel)
Plantar (sole)
Inguinal
(groin)
Coxal
(hip)
Femoral
(thigh)
Fibular, or
peroneal
(side of leg)
Hallux (great toe)
Mammary
(breast)
Frontal (forehead)
Orbital (eye)
Buccal (cheek)
Sternal
(breastbone)
Thoracic
(chest)
Mental (chin)
Umbilical
(navel)
Manus
(hand)
Upper
extremity
Cephalic
(head)
Lower
extremity
(a) Anterior (b) Posterior
Body Orientation
and Direction
Study the terms below, referring to Figure 3. Notice that cer-
tain terms have a different meaning for a four-legged animal
(quadruped) than they do for a human (biped).
Superior/inferior (above/below): These terms refer to place-
ment of a structure along the long axis of the body. Superior
structures always appear above other structures, and inferior
structures are always below other structures. For example,
the nose is superior to the mouth, and the abdomen is inferior
to the chest.
Anterior/posterior ( front/back): In humans the most ante-
rior structures are those that are most forwardthe face,
chest, and abdomen. Posterior structures are those toward the
backside of the body. For instance, the spine is posterior to
the heart.
Medial/lateral (toward the midline/away from the midline or
median plane): The sternum (breastbone) is medial to the
ribs; the ear is lateral to the nose.
The terms of position described above assume the person
is in the anatomical position. The next four term pairs are
more absolute. Their applicability is not relative to a particu-
lar body position, and they consistently have the same mean-
ing in all vertebrate animals.
Cephalad (cranial)/caudal (toward the head/toward the
tail): In humans these terms are used interchangeably with
superior and inferior, but in four-legged animals they are
synonymous with anterior and posterior, respectively.
Dorsal/ventral (backside/belly side): These terms are used
chiefly in discussing the comparative anatomy of animals,
assuming the animal is standing. Dorsum is a Latin word
meaning back. Thus, dorsal refers to the animals back or the
backside of any other structures; for example, the posterior sur-
face of the human leg is its dorsal surface. The term ventral de-
rives from the Latin term venter, meaning belly, and always
refers to the belly side of animals. In humans the terms ventral
and dorsal are used interchangeably with the terms anterior
and posterior, but in four-legged animals ventral and dorsal are
synonymous with inferior and superior, respectively.
Proximal/distal (nearer the trunk or attached end/farther
from the trunk or point of attachment): These terms are used
primarily to locate various areas of the body limbs. For ex-
ample, the fingers are distal to the elbow; the knee is proxi-
mal to the toes. However, these terms may also be used to in-
dicate regions (closer to or farther from the head) of internal
tubular organs.
Superficial (external)/deep (internal) (toward or at the
body surface/away from the body surface): These terms lo-
cate body organs according to their relative closeness to the
body surface. For example, the skin is superficial to the
skeletal muscles, and the lungs are deep to the rib cage.
Ac t i v i t y 2 :
Practi ci ng Usi ng Correct
Anatomi cal Termi nol ogy
Before continuing, use a human torso model, a human skeleton,
or your own body to specify the relationship between the fol-
lowing structures when the body is in the anatomical position.
The Language of Anatomy
Fi gure 3 Anatomical terminology describing
body orientation and direction. (a) With refer-
ence to a human. (b) With reference to a four-legged
animal.
Superior
(cephalad)
Anterior
(ventral)
Inferior
(caudal)
(a)
Proximal
Distal
Posterior
(dorsal)
Superior
(dorsal)
Anterior
(cephalad)
Inferior
(ventral)
(b)
Posterior
(caudal)
The Language of Anatomy
1. The wrist is to the hand.
2. The trachea (windpipe) is to the spine.
3. The brain is to the spinal cord.
4. The kidneys are to the liver.
5. The nose is to the cheekbones.
6. The thumb is to the ring finger.
7. The thorax is to the abdomen.
8. The skin is to the skeleton. I
Body Planes and Sections
The body is three-dimensional; and, in order to observe its in-
ternal structures, it is often helpful and necessary to make use
of a section, or cut. When the section is made through the
body wall or through an organ, it is made along an imaginary
surface or line called a plane. Anatomists commonly refer to
three planes (Figure 4), or sections, that lie at right angles to
one another.
(a) Frontal section through torso
Left and
right lung
Liver Spleen
(b) Transverse section through torso
(superior view)
Transverse plane
Median (midsagittal) plane
(c) Median (midsagittal)
section
Frontal plane
Liver Spleen Stomach Aorta
Posterior
Vertebral
column
Spinal
cord
Subcutaneous fat layer
Rectum Intestines
Pubic symphysis
Fi gure 4 Planes of the body.
Sagittal plane: A plane that runs longitudinally and divides
the body into right and left parts is referred to as a sagittal
plane. If it divides the body into equal parts, right down the me-
dian plane of the body, it is called a median, or midsagittal,
plane. All other sagittal planes are referred to as parasagittal
planes.
Frontal plane: Sometimes called a coronal plane, the
frontal plane is a longitudinal plane that divides the body (or
an organ) into anterior and posterior parts.
Transverse plane: A transverse plane runs horizontally, di-
viding the body into superior and inferior parts. When organs
are sectioned along the transverse plane, the sections are
commonly called cross sections.
On microscope slides, the abbreviation for a longitudinal
section (sagittal or frontal) is l.s. Cross sections are abbrevi-
ated x.s. or c.s.
As shown in Figure 5, a sagittal or frontal plane section
of any nonspherical object, be it a banana or a body organ,
provides quite a different view than a transverse section.
Parasagittal sections provide still different views.
Ac t i v i t y 3 :
Observi ng Secti oned Speci mens
1. Go to the demonstration area and observe the trans-
versely and longitudinally cut organ specimens (kidneys).
Pay close attention to the different structural details in the
samples because you will need to draw these views in the lab
review (LR) section.
2. After completing instruction 1, obtain a gelatin-spaghetti
mold and a scalpel and bring them to your laboratory bench.
(Essentially, this is just cooked spaghetti added to warm
gelatin, which is then allowed to gel.)
3. Cut through the gelatin-spaghetti mold along any plane,
and examine the cut surfaces. You should see spaghetti
strands that have been cut transversely (x.s.), some cut longi-
tudinally, and some cut obliquely.
4. Draw the appearance of each of these spaghetti sections
below, and verify the accuracy of your section identifications
with your instructor.
Transverse cut Longitudinal cut Oblique cut I
Body Cavities
The axial portion of the body has two large cavities that pro-
vide different degrees of protection to the organs within them
(Figure 6).
Dorsal Body Cavi ty
The dorsal body cavity can be subdivided into the cranial
cavity, in which the brain is enclosed within the rigid skull,
and the vertebral (or spinal) cavity, within which the deli-
cate spinal cord is protected by the bony vertebral column.
Because the spinal cord is a continuation of the brain, these
cavities are continuous with each other.
Ventral Body Cavi ty
Like the dorsal cavity, the ventral body cavity is subdivided.
The superior thoracic cavity is separated from the rest of the
ventral cavity by the dome-shaped diaphragm. The heart and
lungs, located in the thoracic cavity, are afforded some mea-
sure of protection by the bony rib cage. The cavity inferior to
the diaphragm is often referred to as the abdominopelvic cav-
ity. Although there is no further physical separation of the ven-
tral cavity, some prefer to describe the abdominopelvic cavity
in terms of a superior abdominal cavity, the area that houses
the stomach, intestines, liver, and other organs, and an inferior
The Language of Anatomy
(c)
(b)
(a)
Fi gure 5 Objects can look odd when viewed
in section. This banana has been sectioned in three
different planes (a=c), and only in one of these planes
(b) is it easily recognized as a banana. In order to recog-
nize human organs in section, one must anticipate how
the organs will look when cut that way. If one cannot
recognize a sectioned organ, it is possible to reconstruct
its shape from a series of successive cuts, as from the
three serial sections in (c).
pelvic cavity, the region that is partially enclosed by the bony
pelvis and contains the reproductive organs, bladder, and rec-
tum. Notice in Figure 6 that the abdominal and pelvic cavities
are not continuous with each other in a straight plane but that
the pelvic cavity is tipped away from the perpendicular.
Serous Membranes of the Ventral Body Cavity
The walls of the ventral body cavity and the outer surfaces of
the organs it contains are covered with an exceedingly thin,
double-layered membrane called the serosa, or serous mem-
brane. The part of the membrane lining the cavity walls is
referred to as the parietal serosa, and it is continuous with a
similar membrane, the visceral serosa, covering the external
surface of the organs within the cavity. These membranes
produce a thin lubricating fluid that allows the visceral or-
gans to slide over one another or to rub against the body wall
without friction. Serous membranes also compartmentalize
the various organs so that infection of one organ is prevented
from spreading to others.
The specific names of the serous membranes depend on
the structures they envelop. Thus the serosa lining the ab-
dominal cavity and covering its organs is the peritoneum,
that enclosing the lungs is the pleura, and that around the
heart is the pericardium(see Figure 8).
Abdominopelvic Quadrants and Regions
Because the abdominopelvic cavity is quite large and con-
tains many organs, it is helpful to divide it up into smaller ar-
eas for discussion or study.
A scheme, used by most physicians and nurses, divides
the abdominal surface (and the abdominopelvic cavity deep
The Language of Anatomy
(a) Lateral view (b) Anterior view
Cranial cavity
(contains brain)
Dorsal
body
cavity
Ventral body
cavity
(thoracic and
abdominopelvic
cavities)
Abdomino-
pelvic
cavity
Superior
mediastinum
Pleural
cavity
Cranial
cavity
Vertebral
cavity
Pericardial
cavity within
the mediastinum
Diaphragm
Abdominal cavity
(contains digestive
viscera)
Pelvic cavity
(contains bladder,
reproductive organs,
and rectum)
Vertebral cavity
(contains spinal cord)
Key:
Dorsal body cavity
Ventral body cavity
Thoracic
cavity
(contains
heart
and lungs)
Fi gure 6 Body cavities and their subdivisions.
to it) into four approximately equal regions called quad-
rants. These quadrants are named according to their relative
positionthat is, right upper quadrant, right lower quad-
rant, left upper quadrant, and left lower quadrant (see Figure
7a). Note that the terms left and right refer to the left and right
of the figure, not your own. The left and right of the figure are
referred to as anatomical left and right.
Ac t i v i t y 4 :
I denti fyi ng Organs i n the
Abdomi nopel vi c Cavi ty
Examine the human torso model to respond to the following
questions.
Name two organs found in the left upper quadrant.
______________________ and ______________________
Name two organs found in the right lower quadrant.
______________________ and ______________________
What organ (Figure 7a) is sectioned sagittally by the median
plane line? ________ I
A different scheme commonly used by anatomists di-
vides the abdominal surface and abdominopelvic cavity into
nine separate regions by four planes, as shown in Figure 7b.
Although the names of these nine regions are unfamiliar to
you now, with a little patience and study they will become
easier to remember. As you read through the descriptions of
these nine regions and locate them in Figure 7b, also look at
Figure 7c to note the organs the regions contain.
Umbilical region: The centermost region, which includes
the umbilicus
Epigastric region: Immediately superior to the umbilical re-
gion; overlies most of the stomach
Hypogastric (pubic) region: Immediately inferior to the
umbilical region; encompasses the pubic area
Iliac (inguinal) regions: Lateral to the hypogastric region
and overlying the superior parts of the hip bones
The Language of Anatomy
Fi gure 7 Abdominopelvic surface and
cavity. (a) The four quadrants, showing superfi-
cial organs in each quadrant. (b) Nine regions
delineated by four planes. The superior horizontal
plane is just inferior to the ribs; the inferior hori-
zontal plane is at the superior aspect of the hip
bones. The vertical planes are just medial to the
nipples. (c) Anterior view of the abdominopelvic
cavity showing superficial organs.
Right upper
quadrant
Right lower
quadrant
Stomach
Large intestine
Left upper
quadrant
Left lower
quadrant
Small intestine
Spleen
Liver
Urinary bladder
(a)
Epigastric
region
Umbilical
region
Right
lumbar
region
Left
lumbar
region
Right
hypochondriac
region
Left
hypochondriac
region
Hypogastric
(pubic)
region
Right iliac
(inguinal)
region
Left iliac
(inguinal)
region
(b)
Liver
Gallbladder
Ascending colon of
large intestine
Small intestine
Appendix
Cecum
Diaphragm
Stomach
Descending colon
of large intestine
Transverse colon
of large intestine
Initial part of
sigmoid colon
Urinary bladder
(c)
Lumbar regions: Between the ribs and the flaring portions
of the hip bones; lateral to the umbilical region
Hypochondriac regions: Flanking the epigastric region lat-
erally and overlying the lower ribs
Ac t i v i t y 5 :
Locati ng Abdomi nal Surface Regi ons
Locate the regions of the abdominal surface on a human torso
model and on yourself before continuing. I
Other Body Cavi ti es
Besides the large, closed body cavities, there are several
types of smaller body cavities (Figure 8). Many of these are
in the head, and most open to the body exterior.
Oral cavity: The oral cavity, commonly called the mouth,
contains the tongue and teeth. It is continuous with the rest of
the digestive tube, which opens to the exterior at the anus.
Nasal cavity: Located within and posterior to the nose, the
nasal cavity is part of the passages of the respiratory system.
Orbital cavities: The orbital cavities (orbits) in the skull
house the eyes and present them in an anterior position.
The Language of Anatomy
Orbital
cavity
(orbit)
Nasal
cavity
Oral cavity
(mouth)
Tongue
Middle ear
cavity
Synovial cavity
in a joint
between neck
vertebrae
Fibrous
capsule
around
joint
Fi gure 8 Other body cavities. The oral, nasal, orbital, and middle ear cavities are located in the head and open to
the body exterior. Synovial cavities are found in joints between many bones such as the vertebrae of the spine, and at the
knee, shoulder, and hip.
Middle ear cavities: Each middle ear cavity lies just medial
to an ear drum and is carved into the bony skull. These cavi-
ties contain tiny bones that transmit sound vibrations to the
organ of hearing in the inner ears.
Synovial (s -no've-al) cavities: Synovial cavities are joint
cavitiesthey are enclosed within fibrous capsules that sur-
round the freely movable joints of the body, such as those be-
tween the vertebrae and the knee and hip joints. Like the
serous membranes of the ventral body cavity, membranes lin-
ing the synovial cavities secrete a lubricating fluid that
reduces friction as the enclosed structures move across one
another.
Credits
ILLUSTRATIONS
2, 4, 6, 7: Imagineering. 3, 5: Precision Graphics. 8: Adapted from
Marieb and Mallatt, Human Anatomy, 3e, F.110, Benjamin
Cummings, 2003.
PHOTOGRAPHS
1, 4,1: Jenny Thomas, Benjamin Cummings. 4a: Simon Fraser,
Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne/Science Photo
Library/Photo Researchers. 4b: Science Photo Library/Photo
Researchers. 4c: CNRI/Science Photo Library/Photo Researchers.
7b: Custom Medical Stock.
REVIEW SHEET
e x e r c i s e
The Language of Anatomy
Review Sheet
Sur f ace Anat omy
1. Match each of the following descriptions with a key equivalent, and record the key letter or term in front of the description.
Key: a. buccal c. cephalic e. patellar
b. calcaneal d. digital f. scapular
1. cheek 4. anterior aspect of knee
2. pertaining to the fingers 5. heel of foot
3. shoulder blade region 6. pertaining to the head
2. Indicate the following body areas on the accompanying diagram by placing the correct key letter at the end of each line.
Key:
a. abdominal
b. antecubital
c. axillary
d. brachial
e. cervical
f. crural
g. femoral
h. fibular
i. gluteal
j. inguinal
k. lumbar
l. occipital
m. oral
n. popliteal
o. pubic
p. sural
q. thoracic
r. umbilical
3. Classify each of the terms in the key of question 2 above into one of the large body regions indicated below. Insert the ap-
propriate key letters on the answer blanks.
1. appendicular 2. axial
NAME ___________________________________ LAB TIME/DATE _______________________
Body Or i ent at i on, Di r ect i on, Pl anes , and Sect i ons
4. Describe completely the standard human anatomical position.
5. Define section.
6. Several incomplete statements are listed below. Correctly complete each statement by choosing the appropriate anatomical
term from the key. Record the key letters and/or terms on the correspondingly numbered blanks below.
Key: a. anterior d. inferior g. posterior j. superior
b. distal e. lateral h. proximal k. transverse
c. frontal f. medial i. sagittal
In the anatomical position, the face and palms are on the 1 body surface; the buttocks and shoulder blades are on
the 2 body surface; and the top of the head is the most 3 part of the body. The ears are 4 and 5 to the
shoulders and 6 to the nose. The heart is 7 to the vertebral column (spine) and 8 to the lungs. The elbow is
9 to the fingers but 10 to the shoulder. The abdominopelvic cavity is 11 to the thoracic cavity and 12 to
the spinal cavity. In humans, the dorsal surface can also be called the 13 surface; however, in quadruped animals, the
dorsal surface is the 14 surface.
If an incision cuts the heart into right and left parts, the section is a 15 section; but if the heart is cut so that su-
perior and inferior portions result, the section is a 16 section. You are told to cut a dissection animal along two planes
so that the kidneys are observable in both sections. The two sections that will always meet this requirement are the 17__
and 18 sections. Asection that demonstrates the continuity between the spinal and cranial cavities is a 19 section.
1. 8. 14.
2. 9. 15.
3. 10. 16.
4. 11. 17.
5. 12. 18.
6. 13. 19.
7.
7. Correctly identify each of the body planes by inserting the appropriate term for each on the answer line below the drawing.
Review Sheet
(a) (b) (c)
8. Draw a kidney as it appears when sectioned in each of the three different planes.
Transverse Sagittal Frontal
section section section
9. Correctly identify each of the nine areas of the
abdominal surface by inserting the appropriate term
for each of the letters indicated in the drawing.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Body Cavi t i es
10. Which body cavity would have to be opened for the following types of surgery or procedures? (Insert letter of
key choice in same-numbered blank. More than one choice may apply.)
Key: a. abdominopelvic c. dorsal e. thoracic
b. cranial d. spinal f. ventral
1. surgery to remove a cancerous lung lobe 4. appendectomy
2. removal of the uterus, or womb 5. stomach ulcer operation
3. removal of a brain tumor 6. delivery of pre-operative saddle anesthesia
11. Name the muscle that subdivides the ventral body cavity.
Review Sheet
(b)
(a)
(c)
(d)
(f )
(g)
(i)
(e)
(h)
12. Which organ system would not be represented in any of the body cavities?
13. What are the bony landmarks of the abdominopelvic cavity?
14. Which body cavity affords the least protection to its internal structures?
15. What is the function of the serous membranes of the body?
16. Anurse informs you that she is about to take blood from the antecubital region. What portion of your body should you pre-
sent to her?
17. The mouth, or oral cavity, and its extension, which stretches through the body to the anus, is not listed as an internal body
cavity. Why is this so?
18. Using the key choices, identify the small body cavities described below.
Key: a. middle ear cavity c. oral cavity e. synovial cavity
b. nasal cavity d. orbital cavity
1. holds the eyes in an anterior-facing position
2. contains the tongue
3. lines a joint cavity
4. houses three tiny bones involved in hearing
5. contained within the nose
19. On the incomplete flow chart provided below:
Fill in the cavity names as appropriate to each box.
Then, using either the box numbers or the name of the cavity, identify the descriptions on the following page. (Some
may require more than one choice.)
1
body cavity
2
cavity
3
cavity
4
body cavity
5
cavity
6
cavity
7
cavity
8
cavity
Body cavities
Review Sheet
a. contained within the skull and vertebral column
b. contains female reproductive organs
c. the most protective body cavity
d. its name means belly
e. contains the heart
f. contains the small intestine
g. bounded by the ribs
h. its walls are muscular
Review Sheet