The Seven Organizational Approaches Too Studying the Human Body and How and When They Are Used In Health CareThe Seven Organizational Approaches Too Studying the Human Body and How and When They Are Used In Health Care
HCA/220
SHEILA PIERSON
By: Christie Brewer

Anatomical directional terms are like the directions on a compass rose of a map. Like the directions, North, South, East and West, they can be used to describe the locations of structures in relation to other structures or locations in the body. This is particularly useful when studying anatomy as it provides a common method of communication that helps to avoid confusion when identifying structures.
Anatomical directional terms can also be applied to the planes of the body. Body planes are used to describe specific sections or regions of the body. Below are examples of some commonly used anatomical directional terms and planes of the body.
A body cavity is a hollow space. It can be defined as the space that remains after the organs inside it are removed, but this definition does not do justice to the variety and functions of body cavities. Humans have four body cavities. The first is a dorsal body cavity that encloses the brain and spinal cord. Second is the thoracic cavity that encloses the heart and lungs Third the abdominal cavity that encloses most of the digestive organs and kidneys. The Fourth is pelvic cavity that encloses the bladder and reproductive organs. The cranial cavity cushions and protects the brain within a rigid skull. The other body cavities also cushion internal organs, but instead of being rigid, they have to be flexible for the heart, lungs, digestive organs, and reproductive organs to expand. The spinal cavity is a continuation of the cranial cavity it travels down the midline of your back. This cavity is within the spinal column which contains the spinal cord, spinal