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1 General Anatomy

Three general principles are recognizable in the architecture of the human

organism:

1. The principle of polarity: Polarity is reflected mainly in the formal and

functional contrast between the head (predominantly spherical form) and

the extremities (radially arranged skeletal elements). In the phylogenetic

development of the upright position of the human body, polarity developed

also among the extremities: The lower extremities provide the basis for

locomotion whereas the upper extremities are not needed anymore for

locomotion, so they can be used for gesture, manual and artistic activities.

2. The principle of segmentation: This principle dominates in the trunk. The

anatomical structures (vertebrae, pairs of ribs, muscles, and nerves) are arranged

segmentally and replicate rhythmically in a similar way.

3. The principle of bilateral symmetry: Both sides of the body are separated

by a midsagittal plane and resemble each other like image and mirror-image.

There are also different principles in

the architecture and function of the

inner organs:

The skull contains the brain and the

sensory organs. They are arranged

like mirror and mirror-image and are

the basis of our consciousness.

The thorax contains the organs of

the rhythmic system (heart, lung),

which are only to some extent

bilaterally organized. The consciousness (feeling, etc.) is located inbetween.

In the abdominal cavity, the most

important abdominal organs (intestinal tract, liver, pancreas) are arranged

unpaired. Their functions remain

subconscious.

Coronal section through the thoracic and

abdominal cavity.

Horizontal section through the head at the

level of the eyes.

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C C

D D

B B

A A

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2 Position of the lnner Organs, Palpable Points, and Regional Lines

The bones of the skeletal system are palpable through the

skin at different points. This enables physicians to localize

the inner organs. On the ventral side, the clavicle,

sternum, ribs, and intercostal spaces are palpable. Furthermore, the anterior iliac spine and the symphysis can be

localized. For better orientation, several lines of orientation are used, e.g., the parasternal line, the midclavicular

line, the anterior axillary line, the umbilical-pelvic line.

By means of these lines, the heart and the position of the

vermiform process can be localized.

Regional lines and palpable points at the ventral side of the

human body.

Regional lines

A = parasternal line

B = midclavicular line

C = anterior axillary line

D = umbilical-pelvic line

Position of the inner organs of the human body

(anterior aspect). The main cavities of the body and their

contents.

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G

G

H H

F F

E E