Basic Concepts in
Gross Anatomy
Dr Eva Sweeney
,Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the: 3. Be able to define anatomical lines of divis
❑ anatomical position ❑ midsternal
❑ prone position ❑ parasternal
❑ supine position ❑ midclavicular
❑ midaxillary
2. Use proper anatomical terminology to describe ❑ posterior axillary line
body regions, surfaces and planes including.. ❑ anterior axillary line
❑ sagittal ❑ paravertebral line
❑ coronal ❑ scapular line
❑ axial/transverse/horizontal ❑ vertebral line
❑ Median, paramedian
4. Define and demonstrate the basic terms
describe movement, incl.
…and body directions including..
❑ flexion, extension, lateral flexion
❑ anterior, posterior
❑ abduction, adduction (radial/ulnar devia
❑ dorsal, ventral
❑ circumduction
❑ medial, lateral
❑ medial/internal and lateral/external rotat
❑ proximal, distal
❑ pronation, supination
❑ superior/cranial/cephalic, inferior
❑ elevation, depression
❑ rostral, caudal
❑ inversion, eversion,
❑ deep, superficial
❑ Plantarflexion, dorsiflexion,
❑ palmar, plantar
❑ protraction, retraction
❑ opposition, reposition
, Describe the anatomical position
“The Anatomical Position” is a s
When describing anatomy we pose used when describing anat
must be very precise. → allows consistency.
“The head is Face forward
above the
trunk.“ Stand up straight
Limbs straight
Palms face forward
? ? (forearm is supinated)
? ? ?
Toes forward
This need for this position becom
more obvious when you start t
describe structures in the limb
Gross Anatomy
Dr Eva Sweeney
,Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the: 3. Be able to define anatomical lines of divis
❑ anatomical position ❑ midsternal
❑ prone position ❑ parasternal
❑ supine position ❑ midclavicular
❑ midaxillary
2. Use proper anatomical terminology to describe ❑ posterior axillary line
body regions, surfaces and planes including.. ❑ anterior axillary line
❑ sagittal ❑ paravertebral line
❑ coronal ❑ scapular line
❑ axial/transverse/horizontal ❑ vertebral line
❑ Median, paramedian
4. Define and demonstrate the basic terms
describe movement, incl.
…and body directions including..
❑ flexion, extension, lateral flexion
❑ anterior, posterior
❑ abduction, adduction (radial/ulnar devia
❑ dorsal, ventral
❑ circumduction
❑ medial, lateral
❑ medial/internal and lateral/external rotat
❑ proximal, distal
❑ pronation, supination
❑ superior/cranial/cephalic, inferior
❑ elevation, depression
❑ rostral, caudal
❑ inversion, eversion,
❑ deep, superficial
❑ Plantarflexion, dorsiflexion,
❑ palmar, plantar
❑ protraction, retraction
❑ opposition, reposition
, Describe the anatomical position
“The Anatomical Position” is a s
When describing anatomy we pose used when describing anat
must be very precise. → allows consistency.
“The head is Face forward
above the
trunk.“ Stand up straight
Limbs straight
Palms face forward
? ? (forearm is supinated)
? ? ?
Toes forward
This need for this position becom
more obvious when you start t
describe structures in the limb
