Important Anatomical Term

Standard anatomical illustrations show the body in the Anatomical Position.

---hands of sides with palms facing forward

a person lying down, face up in the anatomical position is said to be Supine.

Face down --- Prone.

Anterior / Posterior

Ventral / Dorsal

Superior / Inferior

Medial / Lateral

Proximal / Distal

Superficial / Deep

Anatomical planes or sections

Sagittal

Frontal

Transverse

Interior of the body is divided into several components or body cavities.

Divisions of the ventral cavity

Further subdivisions

Within the ventral cavity are a variety of membranes that line the walls of the cavity and cover

the surfaces of the internal organs.

These are all serous membranes, --- a special kind of membrane that secretes a slippery fluid ---

serous fluid or transudate.

Pleural membranes

Pericardial membrane

Peritoneal membrane