3. Anatomical Terms Flashcards
Medial Direction
Towards the midline
Lateral Direction
Away from the midline
Anterior
Towards the Front
Posterior
Towards the rear
Superficial Position
Closer to the body surface. Eg skin
Deep Position
Further from the bodys surface. For example Liver is deep to the skin
Proximal position
Closer to the point where the limb attaches to the body Eg femur is proximal to the fibula
Distal position
Further from the point of attachment. Eg phalanges are distal to the carpals
Superior
Towards the head
Inferior
Towards the feet
Supine position
Laying on back
Prone position
Laying on stomach
Flexion
Decrease in joint angle.
Extension
Increase in joint angle
Adduction
Body part moving towards the midline of the body
Abduction
Body part moving away from the midline of the body
Rotation
Body part is moved outwards (lateral rotation) or inwards (medial rotation) about its long axis
Circumduction
Body part moved in a cone shape
Supination
Rotation of the forearm causing the palm to face upwards
Pronation
Rotation of the forearm causing the palm to face downwards
Eversion
Rotating the sole of the foot outward
Inversion
Rotation of the sole of the foot inwards
Plantar Flexion
Pointing toes towards the ground
Dorsi flexion
Pointing toes upwards