Anatomical Directions Flashcards
Sagittal Plane
The sagittal plane divides the body or
organ into left and right halves. This also
be called to a longitudinal plane.
Axial Plane
The axial plane divides the body or organ
into top and bottom halves. This may also
be called a horizontal or traverse plane
Coronal Plane
The coronal plane divides the body or an
organ into front and back halves. This
may also be called a frontal plane.
Superior
A structure that is superior is above
another structure. Superior - Inferior
Inferior
A structure that is
inferior is below another structure. Superior - Inferior
Cephalad
A direction that is cephalad refers to a
direction that is toward the head. You may
also hear it referred to as cranial and caudal. Cephalad - Caudad
Caudad
A direction that is caudad refers to a
direction that is toward the feet. You may
also hear it referred to as cranial and caudal. Cephalad - Caudad
Anterior
A structure that is anterior is in front of, or before, another structure. Anterior - Posterior
Posterior
A structure that is
posterior is in back of, or behind, another structure. Anterior - Posterior
Dorsal
A position that is dorsal refers to a position toward, or on, the back. Dorsal - Ventral
Ventral
A position that is ventral
refers to a position toward, or on, the belly, or front. Dorsal - Ventral
Medial-Lateral
These terms describe locations relative to the longitudinal axis, or midline, of the body. A
structure that is medial to another is closer to the midline. A structure that is lateral to another
is farther from the midline.
Proximal-Distal
These terms describe locations that are relative to a point of origin, such as the attachment of
a limb to the trunk. A structure that is closer to the origin than another is proximal. A structure
that is farther from the origin is distal.
