Medical Terminology2

University of Kerbala - College of Applied Medical Sciences Medical Terminology
Department of Clinical Laboratories - 2 nd – 1st stage
Lecture No . 2
Body structure
Levels of Organization
The body is made up of several levels of structure and function. Each of
these levels builds on the previous level, and contributes to the structure
and function of the entire organism.
The levels of organization from least to most complex are:
Cell :- The study of the body at the cellular level is called cytology. The
cell is the structural and functional unit of life.
Tissue :- Groups of cells that perform a specialized activity are called
tissues. The study of tissues is called histology. More than 200 cell types
compose four major tissues of the body:
1- Epithelial tissue covers surfaces of organs, lines cavities and canals,
forms tubes and ducts, provides the secreting portions of glands, and
makes up the epidermis of the skin.
2- Connective tissue supports and connects other tissues and organs. It is
made up of diverse cell types, including fibroblasts, fat cells, and blood.
3- Muscle tissue provides the contractile tissue of the body, which is
responsible for movement.
4- Nervous tissue transmits electrical impulses as it relays information
throughout the entire body.
Organ:- Organs are body structures that perform specialized functions.

They are composed of at least two or more tissue types. For example, the
stomach is made up of connective tissue, muscle tissue, epithelial tissue,
and nervous tissue.
System :- A body system is composed of varying numbers of organs and
accessory structures that have similar or related functions. For example,
organs of the gastrointestinal system include the esophagus, stomach,
small intestine, and bowel. Some of its accessory structures include the
liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Organism:- The highest level of organization is the organism. An

organism is a complete living entity capable of independent existence. All
complex organisms, including humans, are made up of several body
systems that work together to sustain life.
Anatomical Position:
The anatomical position is a body posture used to locate anatomical
parts in relation to each other. In this position, the body is erect and the
eyes are looking forward. The upper limbs hang to the sides, with the
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palms facing forward. The lower limbs are parallel, with toes pointing
straight ahead.
Planes of the Body

To identify the different sections of the body, anatomists use an
imaginary flat surface called a plane. The most commonly used planes
are midsagittal (median), coronal (frontal), and transverse (horizontal).
The section is named for the plane along which it is cut. Thus, a cut along
a transverse plane produces a transverse, or horizontal, section.
Body Cavities
Medical professionals locate structures or abnormalities by referring to
the body cavity in which they are found. The body has two major
cavities:
1- dorsal (posterior), including the cranial and spinal cavities
2- ventral (anterior), including the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities.
Abdominopelvic Divisions:
The abdominopelvic area of the body lies beneath the diaphragm. It
holds the organs of digestion (abdominal area) and the organs of
reproduction and excretion (pelvic area).Two anatomical methods are
used to divide this area of the body for medical purposes:
• quadrants
• regions.
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Quadrants: are four divisions of the lower torso used to show

topographical location. They provide a means of locating specific sites
for descriptive and diagnostic purposes. The divisions of quadrants are
used in clinical examinations and medical reports. Pain, lesions,
abrasions, punctures, and burns are commonly described as located in a
specific quadrant.
Regions:
Whereas the quadrants of the body are used primarily to identify
topographical sites, the abdominopelvic regions are used mainly to
identify the location of underlying body structures and visceral organs.
For example, the stomach is located in the left hypochondriac and
epigastric region; the appendix is located in the hypogastric region.
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Spine:
The spine is divided into sections corresponding to the vertebrae located
in the spinal column. These divisions are:
• cervical (neck)
• thoracic (chest)
• lumbar (loin)
• sacral (lower back)
• coccyx (tailbone)
Directional Terms:
Directional terms are used to show the position of a structure in relation
to another structure. For example, the kidneys are superior to the urinary
bladder. The directional phrase superior to denotes above. This example
indicates that the kidneys are located above the urinary bladder.
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University of Kerbala - College of Applied Medical Sciences Medical Terminology

Department of Clinical Laboratories - 2 nd – 1st stage

Organ:- Organs are body structures that perform specialized functions.

Organism:- The highest level of organization is the organism. An

Planes of the Body

Quadrants: are four divisions of the lower torso used to show

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