1.10 : Regional Terms

Regional terms describe anatomy by dividing the body parts into different regions that contain structures involved in contributing similar functions. Using these terms helps increase the accurate description and identification of the particular region of interest or region affected by the disease.

Primarily, the human body has two major regions, the axial and appendicular regions. The axial region comprises regions from the head to the abdomen and makes up the central body axis. In contrast, the appendicular region constitutes the limbs and appendages that connect to the axial region. However, many other terms describe smaller regions within the axial and appendicular regions. Each structure has a reserved term.

Some important regional terms are:

• Cranial: Refers to the skull or cranium.
• Facial: Pertaining to the face.
• Cervical: Relating to the neck region.
• Occipital: Referring to the back of the head.
• Brachial: Relating to the arm.
• Carpal: Pertaining to the wrist.
• Digital or Phalangeal: Relating to the fingers or toes.
• Pelvic: Referring to the pelvis.
• Pubic: Relating to the pubic region.
• Dorsal: Relating to the back.
• Lumbar: Pertaining to the lower back or loin.

These regional terms are widely used to describe specific areas of the body and provide a standardized framework for anatomical reference. They help healthcare professionals and anatomists communicate accurately when discussing anatomical structures and their relationships within the body.

This text is adapted from Openstax, Anatomy and Physiology 2e, Section 1.6: Anatomical terminology.