430 Chapter 9 Human Body Orientation
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Section 9.1 Body Planes and Cavities
The study of anatomy and physiology is the study of body parts and their
functions. In the fields of anatomy and physiology, healthcare professionals
and students use body planes to describe locations and positions on the body.
Body cavities also help divide the human body into sections that can be stud-
ied. In this section, you will learn about anatomical position and about body
planes and cavities.
The terms below are some of those that will be introduced in Section 9.1.
To become familiar with these terms, reproduce each word on the line beside
it. Pronounce each term as you write it. You will learn the definitions of these
words as you complete this section.
1. anatomical position ________________________________________________________________________________
2. body plane _________________________________________________________________________________________
3. midsagittal plane ___________________________________________________________________________________
4. sagittal plane_______________________________________________________________________________________
5. frontal plane _______________________________________________________________________________________
6. transverse plane ____________________________________________________________________________________
7. body cavity ________________________________________________________________________________________
8. cranial cavity ______________________________________________________________________________________
9. spinal cavity _______________________________________________________________________________________
10. thoracic cavity _____________________________________________________________________________________
11. abdominal cavity ___________________________________________________________________________________
12. pelvic cavity _______________________________________________________________________________________
13. abdominopelvic cavity _____________________________________________________________________________
Concept 1: Anatomical Position
Anatomy and physiology describe the locations and positions of body struc-
tures and body movements. Anatomy is the study of body parts, and physiology
is the study of how body parts function. In anatomy and physiology, body
locations are described in reference to anatomical position.
Anatomical position
is a body position in which a person stands upright with feet apart, arms at the
sides, feet and palms facing forward, and thumbs pointing away from the body
(Figure 9.1).
anatomical position a body
position in which a person
stands upright with feet
apart, arms at the sides, feet
and palms facing forward,
and thumbs pointing away
from the body