Unlike other long descriptions types, shapes are important to Anatomy and Diagrams with Labels. Spatial relationships are also essential. You do not want to simply list all the labels without context or relations. Remember, you want to walk the reader through the diagram, and you should be able to recreate the image from your description.

You will start the same way you always start with a summary of the overall image. Break it down into smaller parts and describe it in a logical order. (Quadrants, Compass, or Clock method).

A list is often a good way to organize diagrams, but never simply list the labels.

When introducing a list, include where you are starting and in what direction the list goes (top to bottom, left to right, counterclockwise, etc.)

When writing a list include the following:

• The name of the structure itself
• The shape
• The location
• Proximity
• Colour 

Describe in natural or organic language. Images in Biology are often of organic things that are not exact in their shape and size. Using this type of language can help the reader better visualize the image. For example, veins and nerves can look like branches of trees, or feathers, and so on.

For examples, go to Alt-text Samples: Anatomy and Diagrams with Labels

Navigate Back to Complex Images and Long Descriptions