Chapter Summary

Introduction to Surface Anatomy

1. Surface anatomy is concerned with identifying body structures through visual inspection and palpation. It has tremendous application in the maintenance of physical fitness and in medical diagnosis and treatment.
2. Most of the bones of the skeleton are palpable and provide landmarks for locating other anatomical structures.
3. The effectiveness of visual inspection and palpation in studying a person's surface anatomy is influenced by the thickness of the hypodermis, which varies in accordance with the amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue present.

Surface Anatomy of the Newborn

1. Certain aspects of the surface anatomy of a neonate are of clinical importance in ascertaining the degree of physical development, general health, and possible congenital abnormalities.
2. The posture of a full-term, normal neonate is one of flexion.
3. Portions of the skin and subcutaneous tissues of a neonate are edematous. Vernix caseosa covers the body, and lanugo may be present on the head, neck, and back.
4. The fontanels, liver, and kidneys should be palpable, as well as the testes of a male.

Head

1. Surface features of the cranium include the forehead, crown, temporalis muscles, and the hair and hairline.
2. The face is composed of the ocular region that surrounds the eye, the auricular region of the ear, the nasal region serving the respiratory system, and the oral region serving the digestive and respiratory systems.

Neck

1. Major organs are located within the flexible neck, and structures that are essential for body sustenance pass through the neck to the trunk.
2. The neck consists of an anterior cervix, right and left lateral regions, and a posterior nucha.
3. Two major and six minor triangles, each of which contains specific structures, are located on each side of the neck.
1. The anterior cervical triangle encompasses the carotid, submandibular, submental, and muscular triangles.
2. The posterior cervical triangle encompasses the supraclavicular and omoclavicular triangles.

Trunk

1. Vital visceral organs in the trunk make the surface anatomy of this region especially important.
2. The median furrow is visible, and the vertebral spines and scapulae are palpable on the back.
3. Palpable structures of the thorax include the sternum, the ribs, and the costal arch.
4. The important surface anatomy features of the abdomen include the linea alba, umbilicus, costal arch, iliac crests, and the pubis.

Pelvis and Perineum

1. The crest of the ilium, the symphysis pubis, and the inguinal ligament are important pelvic landmarks.
2. The perineum is the region that contains the external genitalia and the anal opening.

Shoulder and Upper Extremity

1. The surface anatomy of the shoulder and upper extremity is important because of frequent trauma to these regions. Vessels of the upper extremity are also used as pressure points and for intravenous injections or blood withdrawal.
2. The scapula, clavicle, and humerus are palpable in the shoulder.
3. The axilla is clinically important because of the vessels, nerves, and lymph nodes located there.
4. The brachial artery is an important pressure point in the brachium. The median cubital vein is important for the removal of blood or for intravenous therapy.
5. The ulna, radius, and their processes are palpable landmarks of the forearm.
6. The knuckles, fingernails, and tendons for the extensor muscles of the forearm can be observed on the posterior aspect of the hand.
7. Flexion creases and the thenar eminence are important features on the anterior surface of the hand.

Buttock and Lower Extremity

1. The massive bones and muscles in the buttock and lower extremity serve as weight-bearers and locomotors. Many of the surface features of these regions are important with respect to locomotion or locomotor dysfunctions.
2. The prominences of the buttocks are formed by the gluteal muscles and are separated by the natal cleft.
3. The thigh has three muscle groups: anterior (quadriceps), medial (adductors), and posterior (hamstrings).
4. The femoral triangle and popliteal fossa are clinically important surface landmarks.
5. The structures of the leg include the tibia and fibula, the muscles of the calf, and the saphenous veins.
6. The surface anatomy of the foot includes structures adapted to support the weight of the body, maintain balance, and function during locomotion.