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Learn about the Anatomical Position and Directions for precise body structure descriptions. Ideal for anatomy enthusiasts and students!

Lesson 1: Anatomical Position & Anatomical Directions

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 This is an anatomical reference position - the body in a standing position, eyes and head forward, arms at sides with palms forward, and feet together and parallel.

Anatomical directions are terms used to describe a location on the body. Many of the words have roots that may look familiar to you. Note, all anatomical directions are paired; that is to say, each has an opposite. The anatomical directions are paired with an opposing direction; superior (toward the head) is paired with inferior (toward the bottom), medial (toward the middle) is paired with lateral (toward the side), anterior (toward the front) is paired with posterior (toward the back), proximal (near the center) is paired with distal (further from center), cranial (toward the head) is paired with caudal (toward the tail), supine (face up) is paired with prone (facedown), dorsal (on the top) is paired with plantar (on the bottom), and sometimes dorsal (on the back) is paired with ventral (on the front).

The standard anatomical position is a reference position for describing where a body structure is located, and anatomical directions (e.g. anatomical terms of location) are terms for describing the relative location of a cavity, body part, or structure. If we think of the body like a map, the anatomical position tells us which way our map should face, and anatomical directions tell us how to get to our destination. These terms are "professional jargon," but they are important for improving our ability to describe anatomy with more detail and accuracy.

For example, using this terminology, we could describe the stomach's position as follows: In anatomical position, the stomach is located proximally (toward the center of the body), within the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), inferior to the liver and superior to the transverse colon, deep or posterior to the abdominal wall and rectus abdominis muscles, and superficial or anterior to the pancreas and spine.

Students have often remarked that taking their first anatomy courses feels like trying to learn a new language, and that is a great analogy for the first few lessons of 

. The first 6 lessons, or so, are exactly that, "learning the language of anatomy." Why does it feel like a 

 language? Well, it actually is a new language for most of us (or a really old language), as most terms have Latin roots (some Greek). Just as you would practice using new vocabulary in a language class, you will need to do the same with new terms you learn in this course. Grab a co-worker, classmate, or colleague; make flashcards, use practice exams to quiz one another, and copy the "Anatomy Simon Says" activity from this course. The most important thing to do is practice using the terms.

Knowledge of the anatomical positions and directions is essential education for all sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.). This course is essential for learning anatomy, and the next lesson in these 

. More advanced courses on anatomical structures, movement analysis, health and wellness, fitness, sports performance, strength and conditioning, physical rehabilitation, etc. will continue with the expectation that the student thoroughly understands these terms.

Continuing Education and Certification Approved Final Exam

An image of anatomical position, facing forward, arms down, and head looking straight ahead

Course Summary: Anatomical Position and Anatomical Directions

Anatomical Position & Anatomical Directions

Anatomical Postitions and Directions Course Study Guide

Course Study Guide: Anatomical Positions and Directions

In this video, we define and describe anatomical positions and anatomical directions. Anatomical directions are used to describe the location of various landmarks and structures in the body, with more accuracy than more conventional language. This course includes an example of anatomical position, and many examples of anatomical directions. This is foundational knowledge for all movement professionals, personal trainers, physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.

Video Lesson: Anatomical Position and Anatomical Directions

Students have often stated that taking an anatomy course for the first time is like trying to learn a new language…and what a great analogy for these introductory lessons. The first 6 lessons, or so, are exactly that, "learning the language of anatomy". Why does it feel like a 

First, it is… well… actually it's an 

). Just as you would practice using new vocabulary in a Spanish class, you will need to do the same with new terms you learn in this course. Grab a co-worker, classmate, or colleague; make flashcards, use practice exams to quiz one another, play "Anatomy Simon Says", or try to teach one another some portion of the lesson. The most important part is not necessarily the activity (if you are a student, there is no need to spend hours devising lessons), but the practice of using the words in a conversation. When appropriate I will list the etymology (the origin of a word) of anatomical terms. In time, you will start to notice common roots, suffixes, and prefixes making memorization easier. Soon you will find that you can even extract the definition of a word by breaking it into parts.

 ˈjär-gən, -ˌgän): the language used for a particular activity or by a particular group of people (

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jargon

The use of Anatomy jargon is no different than the way computer programmers use various words to describe code (or even the coding itself for that matter), or teenagers using chopped-up abbreviations while texting. Anatomical terminology is a specific language to unify and ensure clarity among health professionals. Whether showing someone how to squat or performing delicate surgery, the details count and having a specific language helps.

Anatomy (Etymology) - late Middle English: from Old French 

Description of Anatomical Terminology

For the purpose of analysis, a reference position is needed. Many of our terms, actions, positions, etc., are relative to the body being in the following position:

An anteiror view of anatomical position in a male and female, with body facing forward, arms down, and head looking straight ahead

Depiction of Anatomical Position with two figured (male and female) - By Connexions - http://cnx.org/content/m47807/latest/, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29624327

Anatomical Position

Anatomical directions are terms used to describe a location on the body. Many of the words have roots that may look familiar to you. Note that all anatomical directions are paired; that is, each has an opposite. Play along with the video or test yourself with the activity below, "Anatomical Direction Simon Says."

 – closer to the trunk or center of the body

 – further from the trunk or center of the body

 – Toward the tail (or toward the feet)

Cardinal image depicting the directional terms associated with anatomy

Cardinal Image depicting the directional terms associated with clinical anatomy - By Connexions - http://cnx.org, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29624321

Anatomical Directions

Play along with the video at the top of this post, or test yourself with the directions below:

Touch the superior portion of your shoulder

Touch the inferior aspect of your shoulder

Touch the dorsal surface of your distal lower extremity

Touch the posterior and proximal aspect of your lower extremity

Rub your ventral trunk and pat your superior cranium

Simon Says Answer Key

Activity: Anatomical Direction Simon Says

 An anatomical direction that refers to a structure located "above" another structure. Generally, this term is used to describe the relative position of a structure when the body is in the anatomical position. For example, the nose is superior to the mouth.

Note that this term does not refer to "on top of", or "superficial to." For example, superior to the 

 is the xiphoid process, sternum, and ribcage, but superficial to the rectus abdominis is the rectus sheath and skin.

 An anatomical direction that refers to a structure located "below" another structure. Generally, this term is used to describe the relative position of a structure when the body is in the anatomical position. For example, the chin is inferior to the mouth.

Note that this term does not refer to "under", or "deep to". For example, inferior to the lower segment of the 

 is the pubic symphysis. Deep to the rectus abdomonis are the peritoneum and internal organs.

 An anatomical direction that refers to a structure nearer to the midline of the body. For example, the sternum is medial to the pectoralis major.

Note that "midline" in this definition refers to a line through the middle of the body when the body is facing front or back in the anatomical position. That is, a line that would bisect the body into left and right halves, also known as the mid-sagittal line. Medial would be closer to the mid-sagittal line.

 An anatomical direction that refers to a structure further from the midline of the body. For example, the anterior deltoid is 

Note that "midline" in this definition refers to a line through the middle of the body when the body is facing front or back in the anatomical position. That is a line that would bisect the body into left and right halves, also known as the mid-sagittal line. Lateral would be further from the mid-sagittal line.

 An anatomical direction that refers to structures on the front of the body. For example, the face is on the 

Here is a list of muscles with the word "anterior" included in their name:

 : The portion of the deltoid on the front of the shoulder.

 : Of the two tibialis muscles, this muscle is on the back side of the tibia.

: Of the three scalene muscles, this muscle is in front of the other two.

 : Unlike the serratus posterior, which originates on the back of the ribcage, the serratus anterior originates from the anterior and lateral portions of the ribcage.

 : This muscle is one of the deep cervical (neck flexors), and has a more posterior counterpart.

 An anatomical direction that refers to structures on the back of the body. For example, the gluteus maximus is on the 

Here is a list of muscles with the word "posterior" included in their name:

 : The portion of the deltoid on the back of the shoulder.

: Of the three scalene muscles, this muscle is behind the other two.

 that originates on the front of the ribcage, these muscles original on the back of the ribcage.

: A small muscle located behind the ear, involved in movements of the auricle.

 An anatomical direction that refers to a location or structure that is closer to the center of the body. For example, the shoulder joint is located on the proximal end of the arm, and the hip joint is located on the proximal end of the leg. It may be helpful to think of "proximal" as referring to "in close 

Proximal attachments are most of the "origin" of a muscle, and "distal" attachments are most often the "insertion" of a muscle.

"Proximal stabilization before distal mobilization" suggests that "core stability" needs to precede extremity strength.

A "proximal hamstring tear" occurs at the end of the hamstring closest to the hip.

 An anatomical direction that refers to a location or structure that is further from the center of the body. For example, the shoulder hand is located on the distal end of the arm, and the foot is located on the distal end of the leg. It may be helpful to think of "distal" as referring to "more 

Distal attachments are most often the "insertion" of a muscle, and proximal attachments are most of the "origin" of a muscle.

"Proximal stabilization before distal mobilization" suggests that "core stability" needs to precede strengthening of the more "distal" extremities.

A distal biceps tendon rupture occurs when the biceps brachii tendon that attaches to the radius (crosses the elbow) is torn off the bone. As opposed to a proximal biceps brachii tendon rupture that would imply the tendon closer to the shoulder has been torn.

 An anatomical position that refers to face up, palm(s) up, or lying on one's back. For example, when performing the exercise "floor bridge" (

 ), the person is lying on their back in a 

 used in reference to anatomy, exercise, and physical rehabilitation:

 A muscle in the forearm responsible for supinating the forearm, which turns the wrist so the palm faces upward.

 A hip mobilization in which the patient is lying on their back.

 A physical rehabilitation exercise for the core that involves lying on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, holding the "

 ," and then lifting one leg at a time in a marching motion.

 An anatomical position that refers to face down, palm(s) down, or lying on one's stomach. For example, when performing the exercise "planks" (

 A muscle in the forearm responsible for pronating the forearm, which turns the wrist so the palm faces downward.

 A mobilization for the facets of the thoracic spine using a 

 During this exercise, the patient or client lies face down on a stability ball while lifting their arms into different positions—straight back (I), out to the sides (T), and up and diagonally to form a Y. This exercise strengthens (activates) the lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscles.

Additional Information: Anatomical Directions

Carolyn Richardson, Paul Hodges, Julie Hides. Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbo Pelvic Stabilization – A Motor Control Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Low Back Pain: 2nd Edition (c) Elsevier Limited, 2004

John V. Basmajian, Carlo J. De Luca. Muscles Alive: Their Function Revealed by ElectroMyography. 1985

Bibliography

Questions, comments, and critiques are welcome and encouraged.

Lesson 1: Anatomical Position & Anatomical Directions

Related Courses:

Course Summary: Anatomical Position and Anatomical Directions

Course Study Guide: Anatomical Positions and Directions

Video Lesson: Anatomical Position and Anatomical Directions

Description of Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position

Anatomical Directions

Activity: Anatomical Direction Simon Says
1 Sub Section

Additional Information: Anatomical Directions

Bibliography

Related Courses:

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Lesson 1: Anatomical Position & Anatomical Directions

Related Courses:

Course Summary: Anatomical Position and Anatomical Directions

Course Study Guide: Anatomical Positions and Directions

Video Lesson: Anatomical Position and Anatomical Directions

Description of Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position

Anatomical Directions

Activity: Anatomical Direction Simon Says1 Sub Section

Additional Information: Anatomical Directions

Bibliography

Related Courses:

Comments

Guest

Activity: Anatomical Direction Simon Says
1 Sub Section