NREMT EMT 6 Anatomy Physiology and Pathophysiology Core anatomical terminology directional terms planes cavities

What This Is: Core Anatomical Terminology

Core anatomical terminology is the language of the human body. It helps us describe where things are, how they're arranged, and how to navigate them. Think of it like a map of the body. Knowing these terms is crucial for EMTs, medical professionals, and even bystanders who want to help in an emergency.

Key Steps / Core Facts

• Anterior (front): The front side of the body, like the front of your shirt. (AVPU)
• Posterior (back): The back side of the body, like the back of your shirt. (AVPU)
• Superior (top): The top part of the body, like the top of your head. (AVPU)
• Inferior (bottom): The bottom part of the body, like your feet. (AVPU)
• Medial (middle): The middle part of the body, like the middle of your chest. (AVPU)
• Lateral (side): The side part of the body, like the side of your face. (AVPU)
• Proximal (near): The part of the body closer to the trunk, like your arm near your shoulder. (OPQRSTI)
• Distal (far): The part of the body farther from the trunk, like your fingers. (OPQRSTI)
• Sagittal (midline): The middle plane of the body, like the middle of your spine. (OPQRSTI)
• Frontal (front-to-back): The plane that divides the body into front and back, like a picture frame. (OPQRSTI)
• Transverse (side-to-side): The plane that divides the body into top and bottom, like a slice of bread. (OPQRSTI)
• Cranial (head): Relating to the head, like your skull. (OPQRSTI)
• Thoracic (chest): Relating to the chest, like your ribcage. (OPQRSTI)
• Abdominal (belly): Relating to the belly, like your stomach. (OPQRSTI)
• Pelvic (hip): Relating to the hips, like your pelvis. (OPQRSTI)

What Laypeople Can Do

• If someone collapses, first check for danger (oncoming traffic, fire). Then shout and tap their shoulder.
• If someone is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to the wound.
• If someone is having a seizure, keep them safe from injury and try to turn them onto their side.
• If someone is choking, try the Heimlich maneuver (5 quick thrusts into the abdomen).
• If someone is having a heart attack, call 911 and try to keep them calm.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Confusing anterior and posterior.
• Fix: Remember that anterior is like the front of your shirt, and posterior is like the back of your shirt.
• Mistake: Not using the correct plane of reference (e.g., sagittal, frontal, transverse).
• Fix: Use the OPQRSTI mnemonic to help you remember the different planes.
• Mistake: Not knowing the location of vital organs (e.g., heart, lungs, liver).
• Fix: Use a diagram or map of the body to help you locate these organs.

Quick Practice Scenarios

1. A patient is lying on their back with their head towards the north. What should you do first?

Answer: Check the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) from the head to the feet, starting with the head.

1. A patient is having a seizure and is lying on their side. What should you do first?

Answer: Keep the patient safe from injury and try to turn them onto their other side.

1. A patient is bleeding from a wound on their arm. What should you do first?

Answer: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to the wound.

Last-Minute Exam Cram

• ⚠️ Agonal breathing is NOT normal breathing – start CPR.
• Normal heart rate: 60-100 beats per minute.
• Normal blood pressure: 90-120/60-80 mmHg.
• SAMPLE mnemonic: Situation, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent medical history, Last oral intake.
• OPQRSTI mnemonic: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Time, Insurance.
• AVPU mnemonic: Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive.
• CPR compression depth: at least 2 inches – like pushing down a soda can.
• CPR compression rate: 100-120 compressions per minute.
• ⚠️ Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency – call 911.
• ⚠️ Seizures can be a sign of a serious medical condition – call 911.
• ⚠️ Bleeding can be life-threatening – apply pressure and elevate the wound.