OCCUPATIONAL ERGONOMICS

Chapter 2

ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY

AND PLANES OF REFERENCE

ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY AND PLANES OF

REFERENCE

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this chapter, learners will be able to do the

following:

 Demonstrate knowledge of basic anatomical terms of the

musculoskeletal system

 Demonstrate basic understanding of the functioning of bones

and muscle groupings of the human body

 Describe the different types of joints present in the body

 Describe posture and motion of the human body using

standard reference terminology

ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY AND PLANES OF

REFERENCE

Connective Tissue

Most abundant body tissue types. Consists of few cells, an

extensive matrix composed of fibers and ground substance, and

rich blood supply. Characteristics:

Collagen: most numerous, high tensile strength

Elastic: low tensile strength

Ligament: connects bone to bone, providing stability

Tendon: attaches muscle to bone, helps transmit force

Fascia: covers organs and separates them from each other

Cartilage: consists of dense network of collaganeous and elastic fibers

ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY AND PLANES OF

REFERENCE

Muscles

Several hundred muscles form a significant part of the

body. Primary function is to generate movement. Three

main types:

 Smooth: facilitates movement in compartments in the body

 Cardiac: responsible for asynchronous contraction of heart

 Skeletal: generates movement around a joint

Two types based on fiber composition:

 Slow twitch (Type I): small fibers, have high capacity for

aerobic metabolism, large blood supply

 Fast twitch (Type II): large fibers, have high capacity for

anaerobic metabolism, small blood supply.

ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY AND PLANES OF

REFERENCE

Muscle Actions:

 Prime mover: responsible for an activity

 Synergist: working in groups

 Antagonist: opposing the activity of prime mover

Selected Muscle Groups

 Lower-leg

 Upper-leg

 Low-back/Trunk

 Shoulder/Neck

 Upper-arm

 Forearm

ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY AND

PLANES OF REFERENCE

Joint Classification

 Fibrous: bound together by fibrous connective tissue

 Cartilaginous: bound together by cartilage (vertebral

disc)

 Synovial: no tissue between the articular surfaces.

Different types are:

• Gliding: intercarpal

• Hinge: elbow

• Pivot: atlas-axis

• Ellipsoidal: radiocarpal

• Saddle: thumb

• Ball and socket: shoulder

ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY AND PLANES OF

REFERENCE

Selected Bone Groupings

Total of 206 bones in the body. Major functions are

to provide support during movement, shape,

protection of internal organs, and production of blood

cells.

Major bone structures

 Vertebral Column

• Cervical (7)

• Thoracic (12)

• Lumbar (5)

• Sacrum (1)

• Coccyx (1)

ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY AND PLANES OF

REFERENCE

 Upper Extremities

• humerous

• radius

• Ulna

• carpal

• metacarpals

• Phalanges (fingers)

• Proximal

• Mid

• Distal

 Lower Extremities

• femur

• tibia

• fibula

• patella

• metatarsals

• tarsals

ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY AND PLANES OF

REFERENCE

 Others

• Scapula and acromion process

• Sternum

• Clavicle

Key Anatomical Terms

 Abduction: movement away from central axis of the body

 Adduction: movement toward the central axis of the body

 Anatomical Position:

 Anterior: in front, nearer the front surface of the body

 Coronal Plane: vertical plane that divides the body into front and

back

 Distal: remote, further away from any reference point

 Extension: a movement that increases the angle between two bones

 Flexion: opposite of extension

ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY AND PLANES OF

REFERENCE

 Inferior: below, nearer the soles of the feet

 Lateral: further to the side, away from the midline of the body

 Medial: nearer the midline of the body

 Oblique Plane: any plane intersecting any part of the body at other than

90 degrees

 Posterior: behind, nearer the back surface of the body

 Pronation: medial rotation of forearm bringing the palm downward

 Proximal: closer to the reference point

 Radial Deviation: movement of the wrist toward the radius

 Rotation: movement of the bone around its long axis

 Sagittal Plane: the plane that divides the body into right and left

 Superior: above, nearer the crown of the head

 Supination: lateral rotation of the forearm bringing the palm upward

 Transverse Plane: plane that divides the body into superior and inferior

 Ulnar Deviation: movement of the wrist toward ulnar bone.