A. Anatomy, Gross anatomy, PhysiologyStudy of Structures and their relationships, Macroscopic Anatomy, Study of FunctionsB. Levels of organization
1. Chemical/MolecularExamples - water, proteins2. Cellular; Cytology
Smallest living units, example - muscle cell3. Tissue; Histology
Cells combining for a common function, example - muscle tissue4. Organ
Tissues combining for a common function, example - heart5. System
Organs combining for a common function, example - Cardiovascular System6. Organism
Combination of Systems - Human BeingC. Anatomical Position
Standard for illustrations and descriptions, standing erect with arms down by sides and palms facing forward.D. Directional Terms
1. Lateral/MedialAway from body axis/Towards body axis2. Proximal/Distal
Toward point of origin/Away from point of origin3. Anterior-Ventral/Posterior-Dorsal
Front-Belly side/Back-Back side4. Superior-Cranial/Inferior-Caudal
Above-Toward head/Below-Toward tail5. Superficial-External/Deep-Internal
6. Palmer/Plantar
Palm side/Sole side7. Ipsilateral, Contralateral, Bilateral
Same side, Opposite side, Both sidesE. Planes and Sections
1. Sagittal, MidsagittalSeparates right and left portions, Equal right & left2. Transverse (cross)
Separates superior and inferior portions3. Frontal (coronal)
Separates anterior and posterior portionsF. Cavities
1. Dorsala. CranialCavity containing brainb. Spinal
Cavity containing spinal cord2. Ventral [viscera]
a. ThoracicCavity containing heart and lungs, diaphragm inferior boundaryb. Abdominal
Cavity containing liver, stomach, diaphragm superior boundaryc. Pelvic
Cavity containing urinary and reproductive organs surrounded by pelvic bones