Anatomical Directions and Planes

Question 1

Superior (Cranial)

Answer 1

This refers to being higher than or closer to the head than another structure in the body (Cranial for quadrupeds [towards head])

Question 2

Anterior (Ventral)

Answer 2

This refers to being more in front than another structure in the body (Ventral for quadrupeds [belly side])

Question 3

Posterior (Dorsal)

Answer 3

This refers to more behind another structure in the body (Dorsal for quadrupeds [backside along spine])

Question 4

Medial

Answer 4

This refers to being closer to the midline of the body in relation to another structure in the body

Question 5

Lateral

Answer 5

This refers to being further from the midline of the body than another structure in the body

Question 6

Inferior (Caudal)

Answer 6

This refers to being lower or closer to the feet than another structure in the body (Caudal for quadrupeds [tail end])

Question 7

Proximal

Answer 7

This refers to being closer to the medial line or the root of then limb in relation to another structure in the limb

Question 8

Distal

Answer 8

This refers to being further from the medial line or the root of the limb than another structure in the limb

Question 9

Superficial

Answer 9

This refers to being further from the internal medial line than another structure in the body

Question 10

Deep

Answer 10

This refers to being closer to the internal medial line than another structure in the body

Question 11

Ipsilateral

Answer 11

This refers to being on the same side as a reference point

Question 12

Contralateral

Answer 12

This refers to being on the opposite side of a reference point

Question 13

Dissection

Answer 13

To take apart and examine

Question 14

Transection

Answer 14

To make an insertion and open

Question 15

Median Plane (Mid-Sagittal Plane)

Answer 15

This plane divides the body into symmetrical halves (left and right)

Question 16

Sagittal Plane

Answer 16

This plane divides the body into two non-symmetrical halves

Question 17

Coronal Plane (Frontal Plane)

Answer 17

This plane divides the body into its anterior and posterior halves

Question 18

Transverse Plane (Cross Plane)

Answer 18

This plane divides the body into its superior and inferior halves

Question 19

Short axis transection

Answer 19

When a cut is made along the shorter side of an organ

Question 20

Long axis transection

Answer 20

When a cut is made along the longer side of an organ

Question 21

Oblique transection

Answer 21

A short axis cut that is made at a 45 degree angle to better show the layers of an organ