Skeletal Anatomy and Positioning
Learning anatomical positions helps you understand exactly where bones are located and how they move. Your skeleton divides into two main sections: the axial skeleton yourcore−skull,ribs,spine,sternum and the appendicular skeleton (limbs and their attachments).
Anatomical terminology uses precise language to describe location. Anterior means front, posterior means back, whilst medial refers to towards your body's midline and lateral means away from it. Proximal and distal describe closeness to your body's centre.
The vertebral column makes up 40% of your height and contains five distinct sections: cervical (7 neck vertebrae), thoracic 12mid−spine, lumbar (5 lower back), sacral (5 fused), and coccyx (4 fused at the bottom).
Remember: Your spine has natural curves - postural deviations like scoliosis (sideways curve) and kyphosis (excessive forward curve) can affect movement and performance.