Full Diagram Of The Human Body

Perhaps you want to find out the location of the liver, or whether the hip bone really is connected to the thigh bone. One of the best places to turn is a full diagram of the human body. This handy depiction is an asset for artists, doctors, students and anyone with a curiosity about what makes anatomy tick.

A full diagram of the human body can be found in a number of different resources. A diagram is commonly found in medical books, biology texts, classroom posters and even online (see Resources). One of the best resources that many students have run across in biology is a book that features a skeleton illustration of the human body accompanied by clear plastic overlays that depict the different systems and components.

Thousands of years ago, the human figure was drawn on cave walls, but the diagram has become a bit more advanced since then. One of the earliest artists to accurately render the human form was Leonardo da Vinci. His Vitruvian Man, created in the late 1400s, shows the male form in two different positions. Another Italian artist, Vincenzo Scamozzi, was also known for his rendition of the human form in his 1615 Analytic Diagrams of Proportion and the Human Body.

Since the human body has so many different layers and systems, it is likely that the full diagram of the human body will focus on one specific aspect. Some may feature only the skeleton, while others will showcase the muscles, circulatory or nervous system, lymphatic system and digestive tract, or any combination thereof. Others may show a body's superficial characteristics only, complete with hair, facial features and skin. The diagram may also be the front, back or side of the body, or the body in a number of different positions.

Regardless of what system the diagram showcases, a full diagram of the human body will contain a number of different parts. The top of the body will be graced by the head and neck, followed by the thorax, or chest, the abdomen and pelvis. Upper and lower limbs will also be included. If the back side is visible, folks will also get a glimpse of the back, which includes the spine.

Since anyone can post just about anything online, make sure any online diagram comes from reputable websites, such as those specializing in medical or science information. Otherwise you may be stuck with a faulty diagram and not realize it. The same goes for diagrams anywhere else. Make sure the publisher is reputable for books as well as any posters or classroom materials. Don't rely on a drawing in a comic book to study for your next anatomy test.