Question

When activating the EMS to seek medical help; why is it important to know the anatomical terminology of a victim's position, direction, and location? Explain each position and give an example of each. Why is conveying such information is vital? And, to what extent will this information help medical personnel?

Answer 1

The reason for knowing the anatomical terminology in healthcare field is very important for assessment and diagnostic purposes.The exact region of the body can be identified.

For example :Frontal region is refered to the forehead

The anatomical direction usually refers to the sides of an organism.

• Anterior : the torso region is anterior to midline or simple called the chest region,knee is located in the front
• Posterior: scapula is located poateriorly in a body or simple called as shoulder or shoulder blades
• Medial: sternum is located medically or simply called as middle of the chest
• Lateral: This usually denotes the sides of the body for example axilla
• Superior :towards the head ,for e.g.,neck
• Inferior :towards the feet ,for e.g.,thigh
• Distal :further from trunk
• Proximal:towards the trunk

The location are planes are namely

• Sagittal plane: it refers to exact two halves (right and left)
• Coronal plane: it refers to exact two halves (front and back)
• Transverse plane:it refers two exact two halves (upper and lower)

Conveying this information is vital to know the exact site and what internal organ is affected.For example if an individual had an injury at left hypochondtpriac region the the medical personnel can suspect for injury at the stomach hence enabling to take a faster decision and provide effective care to the victim.