Naming the Major Outside Parts of Your Body
Medi the friendly guide stands in a bright sunlit classroom, arms stretched wide and feet planted on a colorful mat, pointing proudly to each part of their own body while smiling at the learner.
- Identify the major outside parts of the body by name: head, arm, leg, hand, and foot.
- Match each body part name to its correct location on a labeled diagram.
- Explain where each major body part is located on the body.
- Place each body part name in the correct spot on a body diagram.
Key terms
- head
- The top body part that sits above your neck.
- arm
- A body part on your side that reaches out to a hand.
- leg
- A long lower body part that helps you walk and run.
- hand
- The part at the end of your arm with wiggly fingers.
- foot
- The part at the end of your leg that touches the ground.
From Head to Toe
Looking at your body in order helps you remember the names. Your head is at the very top, resting above your neck. Your arms are in the middle, reaching out from your sides. Your legs are at the bottom, holding you up. Going from top to bottom is a simple way to name every major outside part in order.
Pairs and Their Ends
Some body parts come in pairs, one on each side. You have two arms and two legs, which keeps your body balanced. At the end of each arm is a hand with fingers you can wiggle, and at the end of each leg is a foot that touches the ground. Knowing what is attached to what makes the names easy to remember.
Worked examples
Find the body part at the very top.
- Start at the top of the body and look down.
- The part above the neck is the head.
- So the head is at the very top.
Answer: The head is at the very top of the body.
Decide which body part is at the end of the arm.
- Follow the arm from the shoulder out to its end.
- At the end of the arm are fingers you can wiggle.
- That part is the hand.
Answer: The hand is at the end of the arm.
Activity
Drag each body part label to the correct spot on the body picture.
Practice
Name the five outside body parts from this lesson in order from top to bottom.
Why is the foot found at the end of the leg and not the arm?
Common mistakes to avoid
- The hand is at the end of the leg.The hand is at the end of the arm, while the foot is at the end of the leg.
- You only have one arm and one leg.You have two arms and two legs, one on each side, to keep your body balanced.
Check your understanding
Which body part is found at the very TOP of your body?
Your HAND is found at the end of which body part?
Maya wants to stomp in a puddle. Which body part will touch the puddle?
Recap
The major outside parts of your body are the head at the top, arms on the sides with hands at their ends, and legs at the bottom with feet at their ends. Each part has its own name and place.
Reflect
What is your favorite way to remember which body part is at the end of each arm and leg?