VIDEO
CONTENT
QUIZ
MATERIALS
Types of Surface
Anatomy LandmarksHead, Neck, and Trunk
Upper Limb
Lower Limb
Types of Surface Anatomy Landmarks
Surface anatomy, also known as superficial or visual anatomy, is the study of the external features of the body. It involves the identification of anatomical structures that can be studied by sight, without dissection, and includes the form and proportions of the human body and the surface landmarks which correspond to deeper structures hidden from view.
Bony Landmarks
Bony landmarks are palpable points on the body where bones are close to the surface. They serve as guides to identify other anatomical structures. Some examples include:
- External occipital protuberance
- Vertebra C7
- Acromion
- Anterior superior iliac spine
- Patella
Bony landmarks are crucial in clinical settings as they help in locating muscles, nerves, and other structures.
Soft Tissue Landmarks
Soft tissue landmarks are points on the body where muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues are prominent. Examples include:
- Sternocleidomastoid muscle
- Trapezius muscle
- Pectoralis major muscle
- Rectus abdominis muscle
- Biceps brachii muscle
These landmarks are often used in physical examination and diagnosis, as well as in the planning of surgical procedures.
External Organs
External organs are parts of the body that are visible and accessible without the need for surgical intervention. They include:
- Breast
- Scrotum
- Penis
- Vulva
These organs play vital roles in various body functions, including reproduction and lactation.
The human body’s head, neck, and trunk regions have significant surface anatomy landmarks that play a crucial role in clinical examinations and diagnoses.
Anterior Structures:
- Larynx
- Sternocleidomastoid muscle
- Supraclavicular fossa
- Clavicle
- Pectoralis major muscle
- Jugular notch of sternum
- Sternum
- Sternal angle
- Xiphoid process
- Breast
- Areola
- Nipple
- Costal margin
- Rectus abdominis muscle
- Linea alba
- Semilunar line
- Umbilicus
- Mons pubis
- Anterior superior iliac spine
- Inguinal ligament
- Scrotum
- Penis
- Glans penis
- Vulva
These anterior structures serve various functions related to respiration, digestion, and reproduction.
Posterior Structures:
- External occipital protuberance
- Vertebra C7
- Trapezius muscle
- Spine of scapula
- Medial border of scapula
- Inferior angle of scapula
- Latissimus dorsi muscle
- Lumbar triangle (of Petit)
- Iliac crest
- Posterior superior iliac spine
- Sacral triangle
- Sacroiliac joint
- Anal region
The posterior structures play a role in providing support and protection for the body’s vital organs. These landmarks are essential for a thorough understanding of the human body’s surface anatomy and its clinical implications.
The upper limb is divided into anterior and posterior structures, each with its own set of surface anatomy landmarks.
Anterior Structures:
- Acromion
- Deltoid muscle
- Biceps brachii muscle
- Cubital fossa
- Thenar eminence
- Hypothenar eminence
These anterior structures are involved in various functions, including movement and sensation.
Posterior Structures:
- Triceps brachii muscle
- Olecranon
- Radial foveola (anatomical snuffbox)
The posterior structures of the upper limb are crucial for movement and stability. Understanding these surface anatomy landmarks is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the upper limb’s anatomy and its functions.
The lower limb, similar to the upper limb, is divided into anterior and posterior structures, each with its own set of surface anatomy landmarks.
Anterior Structures:
- Femoral triangle
- Quadriceps femoris muscle
- Patella
- Tibial tuberosity
- Tibialis anterior muscle
- Lateral malleolus
- Medial malleolus
These anterior structures play essential roles in various functions, including movement and weight-bearing.
Posterior Structures:
- Gluteal region
- Intergluteal cleft
- Gluteal sulcus
- Iliotibial tract
- Hamstring muscles
- Popliteal fossa
- Triceps surae muscle
- Calcaneal (Achilles) tendon
The posterior structures of the lower limb provide support and stability and are actively involved in movement. Understanding these surface anatomy landmarks is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of the lower limb’s anatomy and its functions.
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