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Human Anatomy and the Integumentary System - Coggle Diagram
Human Anatomy and the Integumentary System
The Anatomical Position
The anatomical position is the standard reference used to describe locations and directions on the human body. It ensures clarity and uniformity when discussing anatomy, medical imaging, or clinical procedures.
Directional Terms
Superior (Cranial) – Toward the head or upper part of the body, e.g., the head is superior to the chest.
Inferior (Caudal) – Away from the head or toward the lower part, e.g., the stomach is inferior to the heart.
Anterior (Ventral) – Toward the front of the body, e.g., the sternum is anterior to the spine.
Posterior (Dorsal) – Toward the back of the body, e.g., the spine is posterior to the heart.
Medial – Toward the midline of the body, e.g., the nose is medial to the eyes.
Lateral – Away from the midline, e.g., the arms are lateral to the chest.
Proximal – Closer to the point of attachment or origin (used for limbs), e.g., the shoulder is proximal to the elbow.
Distal – Farther from the point of attachment, e.g., the fingers are distal to the wrist.
Superficial – Toward or on the surface of the body, e.g., the skin is superficial to the muscles.
Deep – Away from the surface, more internal, e.g., the bones are deep to the skin.
Regional Terms
Axial region – Includes the head, neck, and trunk which form the main axis of the body.
Appendicular region – Includes the limbs (arms and legs) attached to the axial region.
Three Planes in Anatomy
Sagittal Plane
Divides the body into right and left portions
The midsagittal plane divides the body into equal halves
The parasagittal plane divides the body unequally into right and left sides
Frontal (Coronal) Plane
Anterior (front)
Posterior (back)
Transverse (Horizontal/Axial) Plane
Superior (upper)
Inferior (lower)
Major Cavities of the Body and the Organs They Contain
Dorsal Cavity
Located on the posterior side of the body and protects the central nervous system.
Cranial cavity: Contains the brain.
Vertebral (spinal) cavity: Contains the spinal cord.
Ventral Cavity
Located on the anterior side of the body, divided by the diaphragm.
Thoracic cavity: Contains the heart (pericardial cavity) and lungs (pleural cavities).
Abdominopelvic cavity Located below the diaphragm
Abdominal cavity: Contains stomach, liver, intestines, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.
Pelvic cavity: Contains urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and rectum.
Smaller Cavities
Oral cavity: Contains the mouth and teeth.
Nasal cavity: Contains the nose structures.
Orbital cavities: Contain the eyes.
Middle ear cavities: Contain the hearing ossicles.
Body Cavities
Posterior (Dorsal) Cavity
Location: Back of the body
• Cranial cavity – contains the brain
• Vertebral (spinal) cavity – contains the spinal cord
Anterior (Ventral) Cavity
Location: Front of the body
• Thoracic cavity – contains the heart (pericardial cavity) and lungs (pleural cavities)
• Abdominopelvic cavity – separated by diaphragm
Pelvic cavity – bladder, reproductive organs, rectum
Abdominal cavity – stomach, liver, intestines, spleen, pancreas, kidneys
Serous Membrane
Serous membrane (serosa) is a thin, double-layered membrane that lines the ventral body cavities and covers internal organs.
Structure
Parietal layer: Lines the cavity walls.
Visceral layer: Covers the organs.
Function
Reduces friction between moving organs.
Protects organs from mechanical damage.
Prevents adhesion between organs and cavity walls.
Allows free organ movement during breathing, digestion, and heartbeats.
Serous and Mucosal Membrane
Serous Membrane (Serosa)
Lines closed internal cavities (e.g., thoracic and abdominal).
Has parietal and visceral layers with serous fluid in between.
Function: Reduces friction and protects organs.
Examples: Pleura (lungs), Pericardium (heart), Peritoneum (abdomen).
Mucosal Membrane (Mucosa)
Lines body cavities that open to the outside (e.g., digestive, respiratory, urinary tracts).
Contains epithelium and connective tissue with mucus secretion.
Function: Lubricates, traps particles, and protects against pathogens.
Examples: Mouth, nose, intestines, reproductive tract.
Components of the Integumentary System
Skin
Epidermis (outer layer)
Dermis (inner layer)
Hypodermis/Subcutaneous layer (underlying fat layer)
Hair
Provides protection and sensory function
Nails
Protect fingertips and aid in manipulation
Glands
Sebaceous glands – secrete oil (sebum) for lubrication.
Sweat glands – regulate temperature and excrete waste.
Sensory receptors
Detect touch, pressure, pain, and temperature
Why Skin and Its Appendages Are Considered Organs of the Integumentary System
Skin and its appendages (hair, nails, glands, and sensory receptors) are made of multiple tissues that work together, a key feature of an organ.
They function collectively to protect the body, regulate temperature, and sense the environment.
Each appendage arises from and integrates with the skin’s structure, making them part of a single organ system.
Together, they maintain homeostasis, defend against pathogens, and support sensory perception, fulfilling the roles of an organ system.