AN OVERVIEW OF ANATOMICAL POSITIONS, TERMS OF POSITION AND ANATOMICAL PLANES

Anatomical Positions

The anatomical position is a standardized way of observing and describing the human body. It serves as a reference point for medical professionals to communicate and locate specific areas of the body. Several key anatomical positions are used in medical practice:

1. Standard Anatomical Position: In this position, the body is standing upright, facing forward, with the arms at the sides and palms facing forward. The feet are parallel to each other.
2. Supine Position: This refers to lying face up on the back with the palms facing upward.
3. Prone Position: This position involves lying face down with the palms facing downward.
4. Lateral Recumbent Position: Also known as the recovery position, this involves lying on one side with the lower arm positioned at a right angle to the body and the upper arm resting in front of the body.
5. Fowler’s Position: In this position, the patient is seated with the upper body elevated at a 45- to 60-degree angle.
6. Sims’ Position: This position involves lying on one side with the lower arm positioned behind the body and the upper arm flexed at the elbow.
7. Trendelenburg Position: The patient is placed on their back with the head lower than the rest of their body, often used in surgical procedures to allow better access to certain areas.

These positions are crucial for medical professionals to accurately describe and assess patients’ conditions, as well as for performing various medical procedures and examinations.

 

Terms of Position:

• Anterior (ventral): Refers to the front or forward part of the body.
• Posterior (dorsal): Refers to the back or rear part of the body.
• Superior (cranial): Indicates a position above or higher than another part of the body.
• Inferior (caudal): Indicates a position below or lower than another part of the body.
• Medial: Refers to a position closer to the midline of the body.
• Lateral: Refers to a position farther away from the midline of the body.
• Proximal: Indicates a position closer to a point of reference such as an origin or attachment.
• Distal: Indicates a position farther away from a point of reference.

 

Relative Positions

Relative positions describe how different body parts are located in relation to each other. Some common relative positions include:

• Superior vs. Inferior: Comparing two structures based on their vertical positioning, with superior being higher and inferior being lower.
• Anterior vs. Posterior: Comparing two structures based on their front-to-back positioning, with anterior being toward the front and posterior being toward the back.
• Medial vs. Lateral: Comparing two structures based on their side-to-side positioning, with medial being closer to the midline and lateral being farther away from it.
• Proximal vs. Distal: Comparing two structures based on their proximity to a reference point, with proximal being closer and distal being farther away.

Understanding these terms and positions is crucial for accurately describing anatomical structures and their relationships within the human body.

 

Anatomical Planes

There are three anatomical planes that are commonly used to describe the orientation and location of structures within the human body. These planes are the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes.

1) Sagittal Plane

The sagittal plane is an imaginary vertical plane that divides the body into right and left halves. It runs from the top of the head to the base of the spine, and is used to describe structures that are located on either side of the midline of the body. The sagittal plane is used to describe the location of structures such as the brain, spinal cord, and limbs.

2) Frontal Plane

The frontal plane is an imaginary horizontal plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) aspects. It runs from the top of the head to the feet, and is used to describe structures that are located on the front or back of the body. The frontal plane is used to describe the location of structures such as the face, chest, and abdomen.

3) Transverse Plane

The transverse plane is an imaginary horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) aspects. It runs from side to side, and is used to describe structures that are located on the top or bottom of the body. The transverse plane is used to describe the location of structures such as the arms and legs.