Page 11 - ASOP ROT Study Guide

2 . 6 The Organism
Systems work together - integrate - to perform whole body functions such as movement. The
skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and nervous systems all work together to move the body from
place to place (locomotion). The skeletal system supplies the framework for muscle attachment and
joints for movement; the muscles supply the forces for movement; the cardiovascular system
transports oxygen and nutrients to the muscles to provide energy for movement and removes waste
products; and the nervous system supplies the electrical impulses that initiate and co-ordinate
muscle contraction. The respiratory and digestive systems are also involved, by supplying the blood
with oxygen and nutrients for transportation to the muscles. The whole organism is made up of
systems, systems are made up of organs, organs are made up of tissues, tissues are made up
of cells and cells contain the chemicals necessary for life.

3. GENERAL LAYOUT OF THE BODY

This module addresses the skeletal system. The anatomical terminology used to describe the
positions, views and directions of movement in this system are very important. You should
become thoroughly familiar with this terminology as a preparation for the remainder of the course.
Most of the following terminology assumes that the body is in the reference position known as the
anatomical position: body erect, arms at the sides with palms facing forward. The head and feet
also point forward, (see Figure 3)
The anatomical position is the point of reference for all movements. The erect position of the
body with the face directed forward, the arms at the side, and the palms of the hands facing
forward, used as a reference in describing the relation of body parts to one another.

3 . 1 Planes and Axes of the Body
There are three sets of reference planes: transverse, coronal and sagittal. Single transverse,
coronal and sagittal planes are shown in Figure 3.