Anatomical, Directional, and Regional Terms Flashcards
Anterior (Ventral)
Toward the Front
Posterior (Dorsal)
Toward the Back
Superior
Toward the Head
Inferior
Away from the Head
Medial
Towards the midline of the body
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body
Proximal
Toward the attached end of the limb, origin of the structure, or midline of the body.
Distal
Away from the attached end of the limb, origin of the structure, or midline of the body.
Superficial
External; Located close to or on the body surface
Deep
Internal; Located further beneath the body surface than the superficial structures.
Cervical
Regional term referring to the neck
Thoracic
Regional term referring to the portion of the body between the neck and the abdomen.
Lumbar
Regional term referring to the backbetween the abdomen and the pelvis.
Plantar
The sole or bottom of the feet.
Dorsal
The top surface of the feet or hands.
Palmar
The anterior or ventral surface of the hands.
Sagittal Plane
A longitudinal line that divides the body or any of its parts into RIGHT or LEFT sections.
Frontal Plane
A longitudinal line that divides the body or any of its parts into ANTERIOR or POSTERIOR sections.
Lies at a right angle to the sagittal plane.
Transverse Plane
A longitudinal line that divides the body or any of its parts into SUPERIOR or INFERIOR sections.
