ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY

GENERAL CONCEPTS

1. Most anatomical language is relational in nature. This means that when a term is used there is a stated or implied reference point. (e.g., the head is superior to the chest or the chest is anterior to the back)
2. Conjunctures of anatomical terms are used to explained more precisely anatomical locations. (E.g., anterolateral means toward the anterior and lateral aspect of some reference; posteromedial means toward the posterior and medial aspect of some reference)

TERMS

ANATOMICAL POSITION: The standard reference position that sets the body standing erect, feet flat on supporting surface, and hands rotated so palms are facing forward. This position is used to standardize anatomical descriptions of body structures.

ORIGIN: The beginning site of the more fixed end or attachment of a muscle, a moving anchor point. Also considered the least moveable attachment.

• The point at which the muscle is anchored. When the muscle shortens it will pull toward its origin.
• The origin of a muscle can change depending on what end of the muscle attachment is serving as the anchor.
• E.g., a support leg's Rectus Femoris muscle has its origin on the patella (kneecap), but when the leg is lifted from the ground the same Rectus Femoris muscle's origin is now at the anterior inferior iliac spine on the pelvic bone.
• Technically, it could be possible for a muscle not to have an origin. Why?

INSERTION: The site of attachment of a muscle to the bone. Also considered the more moveable attachment.

• The attachment point at the opposite end of a particular muscle's origin. The insertion moves toward the muscles origin.
• Like a muscle's origin, depending on the conditions of the movement, the insertion can reside on either end of a muscle's attachments to the skeleton.
• Technically, it is possible for a working muscle to have two insertions. Why?

SUPERIOR (Cranial): Toward the head; toward the upper part of the structure.

INFERIOR (Caudal): Away from the head; toward the lower part of the structure.

ANTERIOR (Ventral): Nearer to or at the front of the body.

POSTERIOR (Dorsal): Nearer to or at the back of the body, or the top of the foot.

MEDIAL: Nearer the midline of the body.

LATERAL: Farther from the midline of the body.

PROXIMAL: Nearer the attachment of a limb to the trunk.

DISTAL: Away from the attachment of a limb to the trunk.

EXTERNAL (Superficial): Toward the surface of the body.

INTERNAL (Deep): Away from the surface of the body.

PLANTAR: The sole or towards the sole of the foot.