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Chapter 9 Human Body Orientation 431
Recall Activity
1. In anatomy and physiology, body locations are described in reference to __________________________.
2. In anatomical position, the palms and feet face __________________________.
3. In anatomical position, the __________________________ point away from the body.
© Body Scientific International
Figure 9.1 Anatomy and physiology describe locations on the body in reference
to anatomical position.
Concept 2: Body Planes
When describing locations, positions, and directions on the body, body planes
serve as reference points.
Body planes
are imaginary, flat surfaces that divide
the body into sections. They are also known as anatomical planes. Body planes
divide the body in reference to anatomical position and divide the body into
the same sections from any viewing angle (Figure 9.2).
body plane an imaginary,
flat surface that divides the
body into sections; also
called an anatomical plane
Turned to the right Straight on Turned to the left
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Figure 9.2 A plane divides this ball into left and right sections. The plane divides
the ball into the same sections from all three viewing angles.