The human body is made up of many different parts. These parts are organized into systems that work together to keep the body functioning. Each system is made up of different organs that work together to perform a specific function. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the more obscure human body parts that start with P and we’ll discuss their functions. Stay tuned!
Human Body Parts That Start With P
Pancreas, prostate, penis… Not exactly the most common words that come up in conversation, but they are all real and vital body parts. Each has its unique function within the human body, and together they make up just a small fraction of the anatomical structures that make us who we are. In the following list, you will find portions of the human body whose names begin with the letters P.
Palmar Arch | Perineal Body, Male | Plantar Aponeurosis |
Pancreas | Perineal Membrane | Plantar Muscles |
Papillary Muscles | Peritoneum | Plantar Nerve |
Paranasal Sinuses | Phalanges | Popliteal Artery |
Pelvic Arteries | Pharyngeal Muscles | Posterior Cerebral Artery |
Pelvic Diaphragm | Pharynx | Posterior Communicating Artery |
Pelvic Diaphragm, From Below | Phrenic Nerve | Posterior Cranial Fossa |
Pelvic Muscles | Phrenic Nerve, In Thorax | Posterior Longitudinal Ligament |
Pelvic Veins | Pia Mater | Psoas Major Muscle |
Pelvis | Piriform Aperture | Pterygoid Muscles |
Penis | Piriformis Muscle | Pulmonary Artery |
Perineal Body | Pituitary Fossa | Pulmonary Veins |
Discussion about the Parts
- Palmar Arch: The palmar arch is a structure in the human body that helps to provide dexterity and strength in the hands. It consists of two arteries, the ulnar artery and the radial artery, which branch off from the aorta and meet at the base of the palm. The palmar arch helps supply blood to the tissues of the hand and fingers, which is essential for their function. It also helps to stabilize these features so that they can move freely.
- Pancreas: The pancreas is a glandular organ in the digestive system and one of the most important in the human body. It lies behind the stomach and in front of the small intestine. The pancreas produces pancreatic juice, which contains digestive enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in food.
- Papillary Muscles: The papillary muscles are two small muscles that make up the ventricular septum, which separates the left and right ventricles of the heart. The function of the papillary muscles is to keep the septum in place and control the size of each ventricle. The right and left papillary muscles get their blood from different blood vessels. The right papillary muscle is supplied by the right coronary artery, while the left coronary artery supplies the left papillary muscle. If either one of these arteries becomes blocked, it can lead to a heart attack.
- Paranasal Sinuses: The paranasal sinuses are four pairs of air-filled cavities located in the bones of the skull. Sinuses get their names for the facial bones in which they reside: frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, and ethmoid. Sinuses don’t have a great deal of known purpose, but they may improve vocal resonance and decrease the weight of the skull. They also play a role in immune system function and help to humidify and warm air as it enters the lungs.
- Pelvic Arteries: The pelvic arteries are a network of arteries in the pelvis that supply blood to the pelvic organs. The major branches of the pelvic arteries are the right and left iliac arteries, and they branch into internal and external iliac arteries. These branches continue to divide into smaller arteries that supply blood to different parts of the pelvis.
- Pelvic Diaphragm: The pelvic diaphragm is a muscular structure that forms the base of the pelvis. It is composed of the levator ani muscle and the coccygeus muscle. The levator ani muscle inserts into the coccyx (tailbone) and pubic bone, and its primary function are to support the pelvic organs and close off the bottom of the pelvis. The coccygeus muscle attaches to the sacrum (lowest part of the spine) and tailbone, and its primary function is to stabilize the pelvis.
- Pelvic Diaphragm, From Below: The Pelvic Diaphragm is a bowl-shaped muscle that forms the floor of the pelvis. Besides supporting the pelvic organs, it also seals off the rectum and lower intestine from the rest of the body. The pelvic diaphragm is also involved in sexual intercourse, as it contracts during orgasm to provide additional pleasure.
- Pelvic Muscles: The pelvic muscles are a group of muscles in the human body that help to support the spine and keep the bladder and rectum in place. These muscles act as the “core” muscles because they play an important role in stabilizing the torso and spine.
- Pelvic Veins: Pelvic veins are a set of veins in the human body that drain blood from the pelvis. The pelvic veins are important for blood circulation in the pelvis and lower extremities. The central pelvic vein is the vena cava, which drains blood from the pelvis into the heart’s right atrium. The pelvic veins are also crucial for the Drainage of urine from the bladder.
- Pelvis: The pelvis is a bony structure at the base of the spine that supports the upper body’s weight and provides an attachment point for muscles of the pelvic region. It consists of two hip bones joined at the pubic symphysis in front and fused at the sacrum and coccyx in the back.
- Penis: The penis is a male body part located between the legs. It’s for urination and sexual intercourse. The penis consists of three main parts: the shaft, the glans, and the foreskin. The post is the extended, cylindrical portion of the penis. It’s around the bulbous tip of the penis. A foreskin is a layer of skin covering and protecting the glans.
- Perineal Body: The perineal body is a small triangular mass of muscle and connective tissue between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum. Although slightly more extensive and more pronounced in females, this anatomical structure occurs in both sexes due to their greater pelvic width. It functions to support the pelvic organs and maintain anal continence. The perineal body also Plays an important role in sexual intercourse, as it acts as a cushion for the penis during penetration.
- Perineal Membrane: The perineal membrane is a layer of tissue that covers the pelvic floor muscles. It helps support the bladder and rectum and protects the reproductive organs. The perineal membrane is also known as the pelvic diaphragm.
- Peritoneum: Peritoneum covers the organs in the abdomen and lines the abdominal cavity. It consists of a thin outer layer (the parietal peritoneum) that attaches to the abdomen wall and a thicker inner layer (the visceral peritoneum) that covers the organs. It has several essential functions. It provides support and protection for the organs in the abdomen and prevents them from moving around or rubbing against each other.
- Phalanges: Phalanges, which are bones in the fingers and toes, are the bones that make up the fingers and toes. There are two in each finger and toe, except for the thumb and big toe, which have three. They’re numbered from distal (closest to the hand or foot) to proximal (most relative to the body). It is essential for grasping objects and walking. They’re also a significant source of fingerprints. Each finger has unique prints because no two phalanges are precisely alike.
- Pharyngeal Muscles: Pharyngeal muscles aid in swallowing by contracting the mucous membranes in the throat. These muscles contract to help move food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Dysfunction of these muscles can lead to difficulties with swallowing. There are three main groups of pharyngeal muscles: the constrictors, the levators, and the tract Sharon’s.
- Pharynx: The pharynx is responsible for transporting food and air in the human body. The pharynx lies in the throat, and it consists of several different muscles that help move food and air through the body. It’s an important part of the digestive system that moves food from the mouth to the stomach. The pharynx also helps move air from the nose to the lungs, and it plays an essential role in speech and swallowing.
- Phrenic Nerve: The phrenic nerve is a nerve that originates in the neck and runs down to the diaphragm. This nerve controls the movement of the diaphragm, which is responsible for breathing. Disorders of this nerve can lead to difficulty breathing. It consists of motor fibers, which control the contraction of the diaphragm, and sensory fibers, which relay information about changes in pressure in the thorax and abdomen to the brain. These pressure changes are essential for regulating breathing.
- Phrenic Nerve, In Thorax: The phrenic nerve, also called the diaphragmatic nerve, is a mixed nerve that originates in the cervical plexus and descends through the thorax to innervate the diaphragm. The phrenic nerve controls the motion of the diaphragm – it contracts to depress the diaphragm and increases intra-abdominal pressure so that air moves into the lungs. Damage or compression of the phrenic nerve can result in paralysis of the diaphragm, leading to difficulty breathing.
- Pia Mater: This is the innermost membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. It’s made up of a single layer of cells and is very thin, so it’s often called the “thin film.” It is rich in blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, which help keep the brain and spinal cord healthy by supplying them with nutrients and removing waste products. It also contains nerve fibers that carry messages between the brain and body.
- Piriform Aperture: The piriform aperture is a small opening in the human skull. It is located between the orbits of the eyes and provides passage for nerves and blood vessels. This aperture is also known as the infraorbital foramen or canal, and it gives communication between the orbit (eye socket) and the nose. The bottom of this tiny opening is where you would insert a needle if you were giving someone a shot in their cheek, just below the eye.
- Piriformis Muscle: It’s a small, triangular muscle deep in the gluteus. This is the only muscle in the human body that attaches to the sacrum and the femur (thigh bone). This muscle is responsible for externally rotating the thigh bone and helps to stabilize the hip joint. It also assists in abduction (lifting) of the thigh bone.
- Pituitary Fossa: Pituitary fossa is a term used to describe a slight indentation in the center of the sella turcica, which is the bony structure that houses the pituitary gland. A thin layer of connective tissue forms this indentation, and it plays an essential role in ensuring that the pituitary gland remains adequately positioned within the sella turcica.
- Plantar Aponeurosis: Plantar aponeurosis is a thickened fibrous sheath located at the bottom of the foot. It provides support and helps to distribute weight across the foot. This important structure originates at the heel bone and extends forward to attach to the bones of the toes. Plantar aponeurosis can be injured by repetitive stress or sharp force trauma, resulting in a condition known as plantar fasciitis.
- Plantar Muscles: The plantar muscles are a group of muscles in the foot. The plantar flexors are the muscles on the bottom of the foot that point your toes down. The plantar extensors are the muscles on the bottom of your foot that point your toes up.
- Plantar Nerve: The plantar nerve is a long, thin nerve that runs along the bottom of the foot. It originates in the spinal cord and travels down through the heel and into the toes. The plantar nerve supplies sensation to the bottom of the foot, and it also controls specific muscles in the foot.
- Popliteal Artery: The popliteal artery is a major blood vessel in the leg. It extends from the gap between the thigh and calf muscles (the popliteal fossa) to the back of the knee—the artery supplies oxygen-rich blood to the muscles of the leg and knee joint.
- Posterior Cerebral Artery: The posterior cerebral artery (PCA) is one of the main arteries that supply blood to the brain. It originates from the basilar artery, a large artery that runs up the back of the brainstem. The PCA provides blood to several vital areas of the brain, including the visual cortex, responsible for processing visual information, and the temporal lobe, necessary for memory and language function.
- Posterior Communicating Artery: The posterior communicating artery is a paired cerebral artery that supplies blood to the brain. The other cerebral artery is the anterior communicating artery. The two communicate via a complex aneurysm in about 10% of people. Each cerebral hemisphere has its own anterior and posterior circulation. The Circle of Willis forms where these vessels anastomose, allowing collateral blood flow between the two hemispheres if one vessel becomes occluded.
- Posterior Cranial Fossa: The posterior cranial fossa (PCF) is a cavity at the base of the skull that houses the brainstem and cerebellum. It consists of the frontal, occipital, and sphenoid bones and lies posterior to (behind) the orbits of the eyes.
- Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: Posterior longitudinal ligament is a connective tissue that attaches to the vertebrae in your spinal column. It extends from your lower back up to your neck. This ligament provides support and stability to your spine and helps to prevent the vertebrae from moving too far forward or backward.
- Psoas Major Muscle: The psoas muscle is a large, powerful muscle located in the lumbar region of the human body. The psoas is responsible for flexing the hip joint and bringing the thigh bone (femur) towards the torso.
- Pterygoid Muscles: Pterygoid muscles are two tiny muscles in the human body that attach to the skull and help move the jaw. They exist on either side of the face, just below the eyes. These muscles are responsible for chewing and swallowing and play an important role in facial expressions. When they contract, they pull the jaw forward and down, which opens the mouth.
- Pulmonary Artery: Pulmonary Artery is a human body part that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. This critical blood vessel is responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the lungs so that it can exchange carbon dioxide and fresh oxygen. Problems with the pulmonary artery can lead to serious health complications, including heart failure and respiratory problems.
- Pulmonary Veins: Pulmonary veins are large veins that carry oxygen-rich blood from your lungs to your heart. The right pulmonary vein and the left pulmonary vein are each about as wide as a pencil. These vessels have walls of smooth muscle tissue, which helps them expand and contract to regulate blood flow. The four pulmonary veins (two on each side) empty into your heart’s left atrium—the upper chamber that receives oxygen-rich blood.
Conclusion
Here you go – a comprehensive list of human body parts that start with the letter P. We hope you found this post informative and fun. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Stay tuned for more posts on the human body!