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Anatomy
Basics
Terminology Introduction to the musculoskeletal system Introduction to the other systems
Upper limb
Overview Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Nerves and vessels
Lower limb
Overview Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Nerves and vessels
Spine and back
Overview Spine Back
Thorax
Thoracic wall Female breast Mediastinum Lungs Heart
Abdomen
Abdominal wall Peritoneum Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys and ureters Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen
Pelvis and perineum
Pelvic girdle and floor Female pelvis and reproductive organs Male pelvis and reproductive organs Urinary bladder and urethra Perineum Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvis
Head and neck
Overview Skull Face and scalp Infratemporal region and pterygopalatine fossa Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Oral cavity Teeth Pharynx Neck
Neuroanatomy
Overview Cerebrum Diencephalon Cerebellum Brainstem Meninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Blood supply of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper limb Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower extremity
Radiological anatomy
Head and neck Thorax Abdomen and pelvis Upper limb Lower limb
Histology
General
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Nervous tissue Muscle tissue Cartilage and bone
Body systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Musculoskeletal system Respiratory system Urinary system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphatic system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system
AnatomyBasicsTerminology
Regions of the body

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Regions of the body

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

  1. Name the locations of the main anatomical regions of the body.
  2. Describe the major subdivisions or parts related to each of these regions.

Watch video

When advancing your anatomical knowledge using a regional approach, the human body can be studied under the umbrella of two primary regions. These are the axial region, which encompasses the head, neck and trunk, and the appendicular region which describes the upper and lower limbs.

Each of these regions can in turn be broadly divided into a number of smaller sub-regions or parts, most of which will already be familiar to you.

Learn what defines each of them in this short video tutorial.

Take a quiz

If you are going to study anatomy using a regional approach, it is essential that a strong foundation of regional terms is established from the start. Test your knowledge and identify the main regions of the body in this quiz.

Give the custom quiz a go to test your broader terminology knowledge.

Custom quiz: Terminology For a broader topic focus, try this customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

Take some time to once again review the major regional terms related to human anatomy, taking note of their position relative to other regions.

Head
Caput
1/22
Synonyms: none

Summary

Key points about the regions of the body
Axial regions Head
Neck
Trunk (thorax, abdomen, pelvis, back)
Appendicular regions Upper limb (shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand)
Lower limb (hip, gluteal region, thigh, leg, ankle, foot)

Well done!

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