Anatomical Terminology

Relative Position describes the location of one body part from another. When such terms are used, it is assumed that the body is lying in the anatomical position. In the anatomical position, the body is standing erect, is facing forward, and the upper limb is at the sides with the palms forward. Here is the terminology that describes relative position according to Hole's Human Anatomy and Physiology.

Superior - Superior is used to describe a part of the body that is higher than another part of the body. It is also used to explain a body part that is closer to the head.

Inferior - Inferior is used to describe a part of the body that is lower than another part of the body. It is also used to explain a body part that is closer to the feet.

Anterior - Anterior is used to describe a body part that is towards the front.

Posterior - Posterior is used to describe a body part that is towards the back.

Medial - Medial is the midline dividing the body into left and right halves.

Lateral - Lateral is used to describe a body part toward the side.

Proximal - Proximal is used to describe a body part closer to the trunk of the body. It is also used to describe a body part closer to another specified point of reference than another part.

Distal - Distal is used to describe a body part farther away from the trunk. It is also used to describe a body part farther from another specified point of reference than another part.

Superficial - Superficial describes a body part near the surface.

Peripheral - Peripheral describes a body part near the surface.

Deep - Deep describes a body part that is more internal.

Body Regions

Here is the terminology that describes relative position according to Hole's Human Anatomy and Physiology.

abdominal - region between thorax and pelvis

acromial - point of the shoulder

antebrachial - forearm

axillary - armpit

brachial - arm

buccal - cheek

carpal - wrist

celiac - abdomen

cephalic - head

cervical - neck

costal - ribs

coxal - hip

crural - leg

cubital - elbow

digital - finger/toe

dorsum - back

femoral - thigh

frontal - forehead

gluteal - buttocks

mental - chin

nasal - nose

orbital - eye cavity

otic - ear

palmar - palm

patellar - front of knee

pectoral - chest

pedal - foot

plantar - sole of foot

popliteal - area behind the knee

sacral - posterior region between the hipbone

sternal - middle of the thorax, anteriorly

sural - calf

tarsal - ankle

umbilical - navel

vertebral - spinal cord

Body Sections

Body sections are used to describe locations of internal parts. Body sections section along various planes. Here is the terminology that describes body sections according to Hole's Human Anatomy and Physiology.

Sagittal - Sagittal divides the body into left and right portions.

Midsagittal - Midsagittal divides the body at midline.

Parasagittal - Parasagittal divides the body lateral to midline.

Transverse - Transverse divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Coronal - Coronal divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Terminology of Medical Sciences

Here is the terminology that describes the different medical specialties according to Hole's Human Anatomy and Physiology.

Cardiology - Cardiology deals with the diseases of the heart.

Dermatology - Dermatology deals with the diseases of the skin. Dermatologists also study the diseases of the hair and nails.

Endocrinology - Endocrinology deals with hormones and the glands that secrete hormones in the body. Some of these glands include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, and thymus.

Epidemiology - Epidemiology studies the distribution and frequency of diseases in a population.

Gastroenterology - Gastroenterology deals with diseases of the GI tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine.

Geriatrics - Geriatrics deals with diseases of older individuals.

Gerontology - Gerontology is the study of the process of aging. It also studies the various problems of older individuals.

Gynecology - Gynecology deals with the female reproductive system.

Hematology - Hematology deals with blood and blood diseases.

Immunology - Immunology deals with the immune system and how the immune system works to fight off diseases.

Neonatology - Neonatology deals with the diseases of newborns.

Nephrology - Nephrology deals for the structure, function, and treatment of the kidneys.

Neurology - Neurology deals with nervous system disorders.

Obstetrics - Obstetrics deals with pregnancy and childbirth.

Oncology - Oncology deals with cancer.

Ophthalmology - Ophthalmology deals with diseases of the eye.

Orthopedics - Orthopedics deal with diseases of the muscles and skeleton.

Pathology - Pathology deals with the changes of the structure and function that occurs in human body due to disease.

Pediatrics - Pediatrics deals with childhood diseases.

Pharmacology - Pharmacology is study of drugs and how drugs are used to treat diseases.

Podiatry - Podiatry deals with the study and treatment of the diseases of the feet.

Psychiatry - Psychiatry is the treatment of disorders of the mind.

Radiology - Radiology uses X-rays and radioactive substances to help diagnose and treat diseases.

Toxicology - Toxicology measures the effects that poisonous substances have on physiology.

Urology - Urology deals with the diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.

Works Cited

Sheir, David, Jackie Butler, and Ricki Lewis. Hole's Human Anatomy and Physiology. 11th. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2007. Print.