Anatomical Directional Planes Flashcards
Anterior
In front of
Posterior (used in reference to structures with an end and beginning e.g. convoluted tubule)
Behind
Towards the rear
Distal (used in reference to structures with an end and beginning e.g. convoluted tubule)
Away from the origin
Proximal
Close to the origin
Dorsal
Near the upper surface
Toward the back
Ventral
Toward the bottom
Toward the belly
Superior
Above
Inferior
Below
Lateral
Away from the midline
Medial
Towards the midline
Rostral
Towards the front
Caudal
Towards the back
Bilateral
Involving both sides of the body
Unilateral
Involving one side of the body
Ipsilateral
On the same side of the body
Contralateral
On opposite sides of the body
Parietal
Relating to a body cavity wall
Visceral
Relating to organs within body cavities
Axial
Around a central axis
Intermediate
Between two structures
