Module 2: Directional Terms, Anatomical Planes, Regions, and Quadrants

This module will introduce terms used for body direction, anatomical planes, regions, and quadrants. Anatomists and health care providers use this universal terminology for the purpose of precision and to reduce medical errors. By using precise anatomical terms, we eliminate ambiguity and create a unifying language used by scientists and medical professionals. Because these word parts are used to describe locations and body positions, you may also see terms from this unit in many of the other units. Learning these medical terms will assist you to build the foundation needed for the language used in any medical career. 

1. Identify the anatomic position and its use in medical terminology. (Course Objective 5)
2. Define, pronounce and spell directional terms. (Course Objectives 1 & 2)
3. Define, pronounce and spell anatomic planes. (Course Objectives 1 & 2)
4. Define, pronounce and spell terms used to describe the abdominal regions. (Course Objectives 1 & 2)
5. Interpret the meaning of abdominal quadrant abbreviations. (Course Objectives 4 & 5)

To achieve these objectives:

1. Read the Module 2 Introduction
2. Read Chapter 2, "Directional Terms and Anatomic Planes, Regions and Quadrants" from the Medical Terminology textbook.
3. Complete the Practice Activities. (Note: To receive a grade for this, you must click the "Practice Activities" link below.)
4. Add your initial posts and responses to the Module 2 Discussion.
5. Complete the Module 2 Quiz.