The document outlines anatomical directional terms, focusing on 'anterior' and 'posterior', their definitions, usages in humans and quadrupeds, and examples of structures associated with each term. It highlights the importance of these terms in medical communication, surgical procedures, and imaging. The document also references disorders related to these anatomical positions and provides a list of anatomical literature for further study.

1. ANATOMICAL DIRECTIONAL
TERMS
Student Name:P.Akshaya
1st
BHMS
Year:2024-25
Under the guidance of :
Prof Dr. Ananda Kumar Pingall,MD ,(PhD)
Head of the Departmant of Anatomy
ASR Homoeopathic Medical Collrge, Tadepalligudem

2. ANTERIOR/VENTRAL
• Definition: Nearer to (or) front of the body
• The word anterior arise from the preffix
antero.
• It is used in anatomy to describe the
position of structure in the body.
• It is often used to provide relative locations
(or) orientations of different body.
• The term anterior is often used with
reference to the coronal plane.

3. •Coronal plane-A
plane which
divides the body
into front and back
halves.
•It is opposite of
posterior , which
refers to back of
the body.

4. Usage in humans
•In humans the anterior side
corresponds the ventral side(the front of
the body) because humans walks
upright.
Usage in quadrupeds:
•In four legged animals , the anterior
refers to the direction of head.

5. Examples of anterior structures:
1.Nose is anterior to ears
2.Abdomen is anterior to vertebral coloumn
3.Sternum (breast bone) is anterior to heart
4.Stomach is anterior to spinal cord
5.Biceps brachii muscle is located on anterior
part of upper arm
6.Toes is anterior to foot

6. Combinations and usage
• Anterior can be combined with other
directional terms to provide more precise
descriptions
• 1. Anterolateral – Positioned both in front and
to side of the body
• 2. Anterosuperior – Positioned in front and
towards the top of the body

7. Examples in context(disorders)
• Anterior compartment syndrome:
Serious condition that occurs then increased
pressure within the anterior compartment of the
lower leg compromises circulation, lead in reduced
blood flow nerve damage, tissue ischemia.
• Anterior uveitis :
The inflamation of the uveal structures in the
anterior segment of the eye , primarily affecting
the iris and ciliary body. It can result in pain,
redness, photophobia and vision changes.

8. POSTERIOR/DORSAL
• Definition: Back of the body
• It is arise from the preffix post means after.
• It is opposite of anterior.

9. •The term posterior is
often used with reference to
the coronal plane
•Coronal plane – plane
which divides body into
front and back halves
•It is essential for
communication in anatomy
and medicine, ensuring
clarity and avoiding
confusion when describing
the location of structures
(or) direction of movements

10. Usage in humans:
In humans the posterior side corresponds the
ventral side(back of the body).
Usage in quadrupeds:
In four legged animals,the posterior refers to
the direction of tail.

11. Examples of posterior structures
1. Spinalcord is posterior to stomach , heart.
2.Vertebral column is posterior to lungs.
3.Scapula is posterior to ribcage.
4.Triceps brachii muscle is posterior to the
biceps brachii muscle in the upper arm
5.Calf muscles are posterior to tibia.
6.Oesophagus is posterior to trachea.

12. Combinations and usage
Some combinations and usages of the term
posterior are:
1.Posterior Fossa- a small cavity at the base of
the skull that contains cerebellum and
brainstem.
2.Posterior Pituitary- The back part of the
pituitary gland, which releases harmones like
oxytocin and vasopressin.

13. Examples in context (disorders)
Posterior lung collapse :
Also known as atelectasis, occurs when the small air
sacs(alveoli) in the back part of the lung collapse. Happens
due to blockages in the airways, pressure from outside the
lung.
Posterior duodenal cancer :
Cancer that occurs in the back part of the duodenum. Early
stages of cancer has no symptoms.As the tumor grows, it
may block digestion leading to symptoms such as
abdominal pain, nausea ,constipation and unintended
weight loss.

14. CONCLUSION
• Precise in communication : Terms is crucial for
accurate medical descriptions, diagnosis and
treatments.
• Surgical procedures: surgeons rely heavily on the
directional terms to pin point the exact location of
surgical sites.
• Medical imaging: Radiologists and other imaging
specialists use directional terms to describe finding on
scans like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs.
• For anatomical studies.

15. REFERENCE
• “Atlas of human anatomy” by Frank H
Netter
• “Grays anatomy” for students
• “Anatomy:A Photographic Atlas” by
Johannes
• “Clinically Oriented Anatomy” by Keith L
Moore