BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN BODY

BODY PLANES, DIRECTIONS, AND CAVITIES

OBJECTIVES/RATIONALE

To pursue a career in health care, proficiency in anatomy and physiology is vital. The
student will describe biological and chemical processes that maintain homeostasis;
analyze forces and the effects of movement, torque, tension, and elasticity on the human
body; associate the disease process with changes in homeostasis; identify changes in
structure and function due to trauma and disease; and identify normal and abnormal
anatomy and physiology.

KEY POINTS

Tissues PowerPoint

I. Anatomical Terms
A. Anatomy: study of the body structure and form
B. Physiology: study of the processes of living organisms, or why and how
they work
C. Pathology: study of the nature and cause of disease
D. Embryology: study of the origin and development of the organism (2nd –
8th week = embryo; 8th week- birth = fetus)
E. Histology: study of tissues
F. Cytology: study of cells
G. Homeostasis: ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions;
dynamic state of equilibrium or balance
H. Protoplasm: basic substance of all life; includes carbon, oxygen, hydrogen,
sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus
I. Complementarity of structure and function: function reflects structure;
what a structure (cell, tissue, organ, system) can do depends on its specific
form (structure)
J. Hierarchy of structural organization: atoms molecule cells
tissues organs organ system organism
II. Cells
A. Structural unit, building block (trillions of cells in body)
B. Carry on functions of life
1. Take in food and oxygen: ingestion, respiration, digestion
2. Produce heat and energy: metabolism
3. Move and adapt to their environment: motility, transport
4. Eliminate wastes: excretion
 5. Perform special functions: secretion
6. Reproduce to create new identical cells: reproduction
C. Cell membrane
1. Outer protective covering of cell
2. Composition: proteins and fats
3. Semipermeable: allows certain substances to enter and leave cell
while preventing the passage of other substances
4. Phagocytosis: “cell eating”, engulfs solids i.e. proteins, dead
bacteria, dead cell debris
5. Pinocytosis: “cell drinking”, engulfs liquids i.e. nutrient
absorption in small intestine
6. Exocytosis: removes particles from the cell i.e. hormones,
neurotransmitters, mucus, waste
D. Cytoplasm
1. Fluid inside the membrane
2. Contains water, food, organelles, and other special materials
E. Organelles
1. Nucleus: “brain” of cell; controls many cell activities, including
reproduction
2. Nucleolus: located in cell nucleus; important in reproduction
(RNA)
3. Chromatin network: located in nucleus; forms chromosomes
which contain genes that carry inherited characteristics; DNA
(A-T/G-C bases); males XY and females XX
4. Centrosome: located in cytoplasm near nucleus; contains 2
centrioles important in reproduction
5. Mitochondria: located throughout the cytoplasm; “powerhouse”
of cell; helps produce energy (ATP  ADP)
6. Ribosomes: protein synthesis
7. Endoplasmic reticulum: transport system of channels
a. Smooth ER: lipids
b. Rough ER: proteins
8. Lysosomes: sacks of digestive enzymes
9. Golgi apparatus: synthesizes carbohydrates (CHO) and
transports enzymes/hormones; “packaging” of materials
10. Vesicle: fluid filled sack
11. Vacuole: containers
F. Cell reproduction
1. Mitosis: replaces dead/injured cells; divide into 2 identical cells;
form of asexual reproduction; some cells do not reproduce after
birth i.e. nerve cells in brain and spinal cord, muscle cells
a. Interphase: cells are not undergoing cell division;
replication of DNA occurring
b. Prophase: chromosomes visible; chromatids held together
by centromere; centrioles move away from each other
 c. Metaphase: nuclear membrane dissolves; chromosomes
line up along equator
d. Anaphase: centromeres split; 2 chromatids of each
chromosome are completely separated; chromosomes
pulled to opposite poles
e. Telophase: chromosomes uncoil to form chromatin;
nuclear membrane forms; nucleoli reappear; cytokinesis
(division of cytoplasm) occurs
2. Meiosis: reduction division; 23 chromosomes = ovum; 23
chromosomes = sperm
III. Tissues - Cells of the same type joined together for a common purpose
A. Characteristics of Tissues
1. 60-99% water with various substances dissolved in it (tissue
fluid)
2. Dehydration: insufficient amount of tissue fluid
3. Edema: excess amount of tissue fluid  swelling
4. Osmosis: unassisted diffusion of water
5. Isotonic: solutions with concentrations of non-penetrating
solutes equal to those in the cell i.e. 0.9% saline or 5% glucose
6. Hypertonic: solutions with high concentrations of non-
penetrating solutes  crenation of cells due to loss of water
fromthe cell (sometimes given in an IV to pull excess fluid from
edematous patients)
7. Hypotonic: solutions with lower concentrations of non-
penetrating solutes  lysis due to continued rush of water
intocell i.e. distilled water (used carefully to rehydrate extremely
dehydrated patients; also in drinks such as colas,tea, and sports
drinks
B. Types of Tissues
1. Epithelial: covers surface of body and lining of intestinal,
respiratory, urinary tracts, and other body cavities; forms glands
a. Has supporting “basement membrane” for protection
b. Forms thin sheets, not very strong
c. Has no blood vessels but depends on capillaries in
underlying connective tissue
d. Functions
(1) Protection i.e. skin
(2) Absorption i.e. digestive tract lining and kidneys
(3) Filtration i.e. kidneys
(4) Excretion i.e. kidneys
(5) Secretion i.e. glands, kidneys
(6) ensory reception i.e. skin
e. Cell types
(1) Squamous: “scale-like”, single layer, flat; diffusion
(2) Cuboidal: square, fat; secretion
 (3) Columnar: tall, narrow; absorption, secretion;
goblet  mucus; cilia
(4) Pseudostratified: single layer of differing heights;
secretion; goblet cells; cilia
(5) Stratified: multiple cell layers; protection
(6) Glandular: make and secrete a particular product
i. Endocrine: no ducts; hormones
ii. Exocrine: ducts; mucous, sweat, oil,
salivary, liver, pancreas
2. Connective tissue
a. Supporting framework of organs and other body parts
b. Widely separated cells and abundant intercellular matrix
c. Fibers in matrix: collagen, elastic, reticular
d. Soft connective tissue (CT proper)
(1) Areolar: support; collagen and elastin fibers, thin
and glistening, wraps and cushions organs, nerves
(2) Adipose (fat): signet ring shaped cells; stores fat as
reserve food or energy source, insulates body, acts
as padding
(3) Reticular: soft internal skeleton i.e. lymph nodes,
spleen
(4) Fibrous (dense regular CT): tensile strength when
force is in one direction i.e. tendons, ligaments,
fasciae, aponeuroses
(5) Fibrous (dense irregular CT): tensile strength when
force is in many directions i.e. dermis of skin
e. Hard connective tissue
(1) Cartilage: tough, elastic material found between
bones of spine and at end of long bones where it
acts as a shock absorber; also found in nose, ears,
larynx; no nerves poor blood supply  heals poorly
i. Hyaline: embryonic skeleton, ends of long
bones, costal cartilage of ribs, nose, trachea,
larynx
ii. Elastic: external ear (pinna), epiglottis
iii. Fibrocartilage: intervertebral discs, pubic
symphysis, discs of knee joints
(2) Osseus (Bone): similar to cartilage but has calcium
salts, nerves, blood vessels; body structure, calcium
storage
3. Nervous tissue
a. Made up of special cells called neurons and neuroglia
(supporting cells)
b. Transmits impulses throughout the body
c. Reacts to stimuli
d. Makes up brain, spinal cord, and nerves
 4. Muscle tissue
a. Highly cellular, well vascularized
b. Produces movement by contraction of muscle fibers (cells)
c. 3 types
(1) Skeletal: attaches to bones to provide movement;
striated, voluntary
(2) Cardiac: causes heart to beat; striated, involuntary
(3) Smooth: in walls of hollow organs i.e digestive
tract, blood vessels; No striations, involuntary
IV. Membranes: combinations of epithelial and connective tissues
A. Mucous: lines body cavities, “wet” membrane; absorption and secretion
B. Serous: lines closed body cavities and secretes serous fluid to protect from
friction i.e. pleura, peritoneum, pericardium
C. Synovial: tough, fibrous tissue that lines the cavities of freely movable
joints
D. Dense fibrous: tough, opaque for protection i.e. dura mater, periosteum,
sclera
E. Cutaneous: “dry” membrane; skin
V. Organ: groups of different tissues that work together for a special function i.e.
heart, stomach, lungs, skin
VI. Organ System: organs and other parts which join together for a particular
function
A. Integumentary: external body covering
B. Skeletal: framework of body
C. Muscular: movement
D. Nervous: control system
E. Endocrine: hormone secretion
F. Cardiovascular: transport of O2, nutrients, hormones, CO2, wastes, etc.
G. Lymphatic/Immune: fluid recycling, guards against foreign substances
H. Respiratory: gas exchange
I. Digestive: processes foods for nutrients
J. Urinary: maintains water and electrolyte balance
K. Reproductive: production of offspring
VII. Anatomic Position: body standing erect with arms to the side and palms
facing forward, head and feet forward
VIII. Directional Terms
A. Anterior/Ventral: in front
B. Posterior/Dorsal: in back
C. Medial: toward the midline
D. Lateral: toward the side
E. Internal: within body
F. External: outside the body
G. Proximal: closest to the point of origin
H. Distal: farther from the point of origin
I. Superior: upper or above
J. Inferior: lower
 K. Cranial: towards the head
L. Caudal: towards the tailbone
M. Flexion: decreasing the angle between two bones
N. Extension: increasing the angle between two bones
O. Afferent: carrying toward a center
P. Efferent: carrying away or away from a center
Q. Adduction: moving toward the midline
R. Abduction: moving away from the midline
S. Eversion: turning a body part outward
T. Inversion: turning a body part inward
U. Pronation: turning a body part downward
V. Supination: turning a body part upward ( as in shrug shoulders, palms up,
“what’s up?”)
W. Deep: away from the body surface, more internal
X. Superficial: toward or at the body surface
Y. Plantar: toward the sole of the foot
Z. Palmar: toward the palm of the hand
IX. Planes
A. Sagittal: divides the body or organ vertically into right and left unequal
parts
B. Medial/Mid-sagittal: divides the body or organ vertically into equal right
and left parts
C. Coronal/Frontal: divides the body or organ vertically into anterior and
posterior parts
D. Transverse: divides the body or organ horizontally or into cranial/caudal
parts
X. Body Cavities
A. Ventral (Anterior)
1. Thoracic: chest, superior to the diaphragm
a. Right pleural: right lung
b. Left pleural: left lung
c. Mediastinum: heart (in pericardial cavity), trachea,
right/left bronchus, esophagus, thymus gland, aorta/aortic
arch, vena cava
2. Abdominopelvic: inferior to diaphragm
a. Abdominal: liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas,
intestines, spleen, kidneys, ureters
b. Pelvic: bladder, female reproductive organs (uterus,
fallopian tubes, ovaries), male reproductive organs
(prostate, seminal vesicles, part of vas deferens), part of
large intestine (colon, rectum)
B. Dorsal (Posterior)
1. Cranial: houses the brain
2. Spinal: houses the spinal cord
XI. Body Regions
A. Head
 1. Parietal: top of head towards the back and sides
2. Frontal: forehead
3. Occipital: base of skull
4. Temporal: sides of head
5. Auricular: ear
6. Buccal: cheek
7. Orbital: eye socket
8. Mastoid: behind the ear
9. Nasal: bridge of nose
10. Mental: chin
11. Submental: beneath the chin
12. Maxillary: upper jaw
13. Mandibular: lower jaw
14. Zygomatic: cheek bone
B. Neck
1. Larynx: front of neck
2. Trachea: front of neck
3. Cervical: back of neck
C. Thorax
1. Axillary: armpit
2. Clavicular: collar bone
3. Sternal: midchest
4. Mammary: breat
5. Costal: rib
6. Scapular: shoulder blade
7. Pectoral: chest
8. Deltoid: shoulder area
D. Abdominal
1. Hypochondriac: under the cartilage of the ribs, right and left
2. Epigastric: over/above the stomach
3. Umbilical: surrounding the navel, belly button
4. Hypogastric: under/below the stomach
5. Inguinal/iliac: groin, right and left

E. Abdominal Quadrants
1. RUQ: liver, gallbladder, large intestine
2. LUQ: stomach, spleen, pancreas, large intestine
3. RLQ: appendix, large intestine, ovary, fallopian tube
4. LLQ: large intestine, ovary, fallopian tube
F. Posterior Trunk
1. Nuchal: back of neck
2. Cervical: neck
3. Thoracic: back of trunk
4. Lumbar: at small of back, lower back, waist area, lateral mid-
abdomen, right and left
5. Sacral: pelvis, tailbone area
 6. Coccyx: tailbone
7. Gluteal: buttocks
G. Extremities
1. Brachial: upper arm
2. Antecubital: front of elbow
3. Olecranon: back of elbow
4. Carpal: wrist
5. Phalanges: fingers, toes
6. Manual: hand
7. Pollex: thumb
8. Femoral: thigh
9. Patellar: front of knee
10. Popliteal: behind the knee
11. Tarsal: ankle
12. Pedal: foot
13. Calcaneal: heel of foot

ACTIVITIES

I. Create a stick-like figure, with a head, trunk, arms, and legs using play dough
or anything available at your home. As the terms are discussed, the student will
use a toothpick or any stick to designate the area. After all the terms are
discussed, cut the figure into the planes.
II. Next, identify the following areas:
Area distal to the knee.
Area proximal to the elbow.
Lateral to the big toe.
Anterior side of the body.
Posterior side of the body.
Area that is medial to the shoulder.
Area that is superior to the lungs.
Area that is inferior to the heart.
III. Complete Five Station Lab
IV. Develop a Short Story describing best date or worst nightmare using anatomical
terms.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Body Orientation Vocabulary

Assorted colors of playdoh or anything available at home
Carrots
Potatoes
Colored toothpicks or any sticks
Paper plates
Marshmallows
Bananas
Permanent markers

ASSESSMENT

Writing Rubric
Body Orientation Quiz

ACCOMMODATIONS

For reinforcement, the students will make flashcards of all of the terms.

For enrichment, the students will develop questions and design a jeopardy game utilizing
the information in this unit.

REFLECTIONS
 Medical Prefixes, Suffixes, Body Planes,
and Directional Terms

Objective:
Students will have an overall understanding of the terminology presented and how to
utilize it in the medical profession

Materials:
Crayons
Potatoes
Knives
Face Masks
Marker
Gloves
Colored toothpicks / any sticks
Surgical Caps (optional)
Bananas
Carrots
Marshmallows
Paper Plates
Straws
Blank Sheets of Paper
Picture of Torso
Body Parts Worksheet

Stations: (See attached specific directions.)

Station #1 The students make up a story using the medical terminology.
Station #2 The students color the handout of the torso according to regions
Station #3 Students perform the requested surgeries on the patient (potato with a
picture of a person drawn on it).
Station #4 Planes and directions are practiced using fruit, vegetables, toothpicks, and
marshmallows.
Station #5 A fun activity matching body parts to other meanings for the words.
 Station One

Using the word list provided, write a story showing that you know the correct usage of
the terms. Each student must write at least two sentences using the terms. BONUS: USE
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING BONUS WORDS!

Arterio-, athero-, arthro-

Ileum, ilium
Infection, inflammation
Laceration, lesion
Mucous, mucus
Myc-, myel- myo-
Palpation, palpitation
Prostate, prostrate
Pyel-, pyo-
Supination, suppration
Viral, virile

You have the Grim Reaper on the autopsy table. As you begin the first
incision…………….
 Station #2

Using a diagram of the torso, color code each section as follows (label specific left and
right where applicable):

Umbilical Region - Green

Lumbar Region - Blue
Epigastric Region - Red
Iliac Region - Orange
Hypochondriac Region - Yellow
Hypogastric Region - Brown
 Station #3

Prepare for surgery: you will need face mask and gloves.

You do not want to be sued for malpractice. The surgical team requires collaboration and
planning. Know what you are going to do before you cut. These surgical incisions are
permanent. Scarring is probable. Remember the anesthesiologist has given you only 15
minutes.

Your patient requires multiple procedures. Please perform the following:

1. Abdominocentesis
2. Tracheostomy
3. Left legectomy (what is the proper term?)
4. Rhinoplasty
 Station #4 Body Planes and Directions

Be careful with the surgical instruments. Read and follow the instructions very carefully.

Carrot:
Cut the carrot with a midsagittal plane. Stick a blue toothpick in the superior end of one
of the pieces. Place a marshmallow on the end of the toothpick.

Banana:
Cut the banana with a transverse plane. Stick a matching (same color) toothpick and
marshmallow in the most distal point of the inferior piece. Place matching (same color)
bilateral toothpicks on the superior piece.
 Station #5 Fun Body Parts

Match the body parts with their non-body parts’ meanings. Good Luck!!!!

What Part of the Human Body?

1.Is part of a wagon?

2.Is a fraction of a yard?
3.Is a measure of the height of horses?
4.Is a band instrument?
5.Is a sailor’s reply?
6.Is used to fasten boards?
7.Is a church?
8.Is a tropical tree?
9.Is a baby animal?
10.Is a strong box?
11.Is a male deer?
12.Is a slang expression for nerve?
13.Is one who goes to school?
14.Is the outside cover part of a car?
15.Is part of a comb?
 Short Story
Incorporate the Following terms into a story describing your describing best date or worst
nightmare. Underline the term(s) in the story.

Superior
Visceral Organs
Inferior
Anterior
Abdominal Cavity
Dorsal
Pelvic Cavity
Medial
Oral Cavity
Lateral
Orbital Cavity
Proximal
RUQ
Distal
LLQ
Superficial
LUQ
Deep
RLQ
Cholecystitis
Hepatitis
Craniotomy
Integument
Arteriosclerosis
Blepharorraphy
Pneumonomelanosis
Gastrectomy
Carcinoma
Skeletal System
Cardiovascular System