List of superficial anatomical features

List of Superficial Anatomical Features

Superficial anatomy or Surface anatomy is the study of the external features of the body. It deals with anatomical features that can be studied by sight, without dissection. As such, it is a branch of Gross anatomy, along with Endoscopic and Radiological anatomy. Superficial anatomy is important in Anatomy, as structures in the body are often defined in terms of relationships to other structures.

The following is a list of superficial anatomical features, which are visible or palpable from the surface of the body:

Head

• Forehead: The part of the face above the eyebrows.
• Eye: The organ of sight.
• Ear: The organ of hearing and balance.
• Nose: The organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract.
• Mouth: The opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge.
• Chin: The lower part of the face, below the mouth.

Neck

• Adam's apple: The projection in the neck formed by the thyroid cartilage of the larynx, usually more prominent in men than in women.
• Nape: The back of the neck.

Torso

• Chest: The upper front part of the body, between the neck and the abdomen.
• Abdomen: The part of the body between the chest and the pelvis.
• Back: The rear part of the human body, from the neck to the end of the spine.

Upper Limb

• Shoulder: The joint connecting the arm with the torso.
• Arm: The upper limb of the human body, between the shoulder and the elbow.
• Elbow: The joint between the upper and lower parts of the arm.
• Forearm: The part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist.
• Wrist: The joint connecting the hand with the forearm.
• Hand: The terminal part of the human arm, used for manipulating objects.

Lower Limb

• Hip: The joint connecting the leg with the torso.
• Thigh: The part of the leg between the hip and the knee.
• Knee: The joint between the thigh and the lower leg.
• Leg: The part of the lower limb between the knee and the ankle.
• Ankle: The joint connecting the foot with the leg.
• Foot: The lower extremity of the leg, below the ankle.

See Also

• Anatomical terminology
• Outline of human anatomy
• List of human anatomical regions
• List of human anatomical parts named after people