Anatomical Directions and Orientations Flashcards
What direction is “toward or at the body surface?”
Superficial
What direction is “away from the body surface?”
Deep
What orientation is “between a more medial and more lateral structure?”
Intermediate
What direction is “toward or at the midline of the body or on the inner side?”
Medial
What direction is “away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure of the body?”
Inferior
What direction is “toward the head end or upper part of a structure (above)?”
Superior
What direction is “toward or at the front of the body?”
Ventral (anterior)
Is the knee proximal or distal to the pelvis?
Distal; indicating that it is farther from the origin or point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk.
Is the elbow proximal or distal to the head?
Proximal; indicating that the elbow is farther from the origin or point of attachment of a limb (hand) to the body trunk.
What direction is “toward or at the back of the body?”
Dorsal (posterior)
What action is “closing of a joint?”
Flexion
What action is “opening of a joint?”
Extension
In ANATOMICAL POSITION, are the hands in pronation or supination?
Supination
Based on question #28, why are the hands in this position?
The bones of the forearm (radius/ulnar) are uncrossed in the supinated position.
Define elevation and depression.
Elevation is the upward movement of a structure.
Depression is the downward movement of a structure.
