Anatomical Terms/Body Cavities

Transverse/Horizontal Plane

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior parts.

Tarsal

Ankle

Sagittal Plane

Divides body into right and left parts along the vertical plane.

Thoracic Cavity

Housed in the ventral body cavity, this contains 2 lateral pleural cavities (for the lungs) and a central pericardial cavity (for the heart).

Cranial Cavity

Part of the dorsal body cavity. Enclosed by the skull and houses the brain.

Sacral

Section of the back. Below the lumbar.

Lumbar

Section of the back. On either side of vertebral.

Coxal

Section of the lower limb. Also known as the hip.

Diaphragm

Skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities with the goal of controlling how deep one breathes.

In which body cavity do the organs receive the least protection from physical trauma?

The abdomen because there are no bones to protect from trauma, only muscles and skin.

Appendicular part

The appendages or limbs attached to the axis.

What are the parts of the dorsal body cavity?

The cranial cavity and the vertebral cavity.

Why is it important to divide the abdominopelvic cavity into nine regions?

To recognize the pain. There are lots of organs in this region from which pain could be coming.

Digital

Toes or fingers.

Superficial

Toward or at the body surface. (the skin is superficial to the muscles)

Medial

Towards the midline of the body. The opposite of lateral. (the heart is medial to the arm)

Frontal/Coronal Plane

Vertical plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior parts.

Manus

Appendicular part of the body. Also known as the hand.

Mediastinum

Cavity in the midline of the thorax, surrounded by the pleura sacs.

Axial part

Consists of the head, neck and trunk.

Inguinal

Crotch area.

Patellar

Knee

Midsagittal vs Parasagittal

Midsaggital lies along the midline, whereas parasaggital is offset from the midline.

What structure separates the abdominal and pelvic cavities?

None, only the thoracic and abdominal cavities are separated by a structure.

Anatomical Position

The initial reference point of the body, helps to indicate direction. Body is erect, feet slightly apart, palms face forward with thumbs pointing away from body.

Hallux

The innermost toe.

Crural

The leg (calf area)

What are the parts of the ventral body cavity?

The thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity. These subcavities are separated by the diaphragm.

Metatarsal

The top of the foot.