extension shown: health [x]


Canonical URL: http://schema.org/SuperficialAnatomy

Thing > MedicalEntity > SuperficialAnatomy

Anatomical features that can be observed by sight (without dissection), including the form and proportions of the human body as well as surface landmarks that correspond to deeper subcutaneous structures. Superficial anatomy plays an important role in sports medicine, phlebotomy, and other medical specialties as underlying anatomical structures can be identified through surface palpation. For example, during back surgery, superficial anatomy can be used to palpate and count vertebrae to find the site of incision. Or in phlebotomy, superficial anatomy can be used to locate an underlying vein; for example, the median cubital vein can be located by palpating the borders of the cubital fossa (such as the epicondyles of the humerus) and then looking for the superficial signs of the vein, such as size, prominence, ability to refill after depression, and feel of surrounding tissue support. As another example, in a subluxation (dislocation) of the glenohumeral joint, the bony structure becomes pronounced with the deltoid muscle failing to cover the glenohumeral joint allowing the edges of the scapula to be superficially visible. Here, the superficial anatomy is the visible edges of the scapula, implying the underlying dislocation of the joint (the related anatomical structure).

Usage: Fewer than 10 domains
PropertyExpected TypeDescription
Properties from SuperficialAnatomy
relatedAnatomy AnatomicalStructure  or
Anatomical systems or structures that relate to the superficial anatomy.
relatedCondition MedicalCondition A medical condition associated with this anatomy.
relatedTherapy MedicalTherapy A medical therapy related to this anatomy.
significance Text The significance associated with the superficial anatomy; as an example, how characteristics of the superficial anatomy can suggest underlying medical conditions or courses of treatment.
Properties from MedicalEntity
guideline MedicalGuideline A medical guideline related to this entity.
legalStatus MedicalEnumeration  or
DrugLegalStatus  or
Text  or
study MedicalStudy A medical study or trial related to this entity.
Properties from Thing
alternateName Text An alias for the item.
description Text A short description of the item.
image URL  or
mainEntityOfPage CreativeWork  or

See background notes for details.
Inverse property: mainEntity.
name Text The name of the item.
url URL URL of the item.

Instances of SuperficialAnatomy may appear as values for the following properties
PropertyOn TypesDescription
associatedAnatomy PhysicalActivity  or

Schema Version 2.2