Anatomical Planes

Question 1

Superior

Answer 1

Structures which are above a given point

ex: The knee is superior to the foot

Question 2

Inferior

Answer 2

Structures which are below a given point

ex: The foot is inferior to the knee

Question 3

Anterior

Answer 3

Structures which are in front of a given point

ex: The sternum is anterior to the heart

Question 4

Posterior

Answer 4

Structures which are behind a given point

ex: The heart is posterior to the sternum

Question 5

Proximal

Answer 5

Structures which are closer to the core of the body

ex: The elbow is proximal to the hand

Question 6

Distal

Answer 6

Structures which are further from the core of the body

ex: The hand is distal to the elbow

Question 7

Lateral

Answer 7

Structures which are further from the midline of the body

ex: The thumb is lateral to the fourth finger, in proper anatomical position

Question 8

Medial

Answer 8

Structures which are closer to the midline of the body

ex: The fourth finger is medial to the thumb, in proper anatomical position

Question 9

Coronal Plane

Answer 9

Divides the body into its anterior and posterior (front and back) sections; planes are not necessarily fixed into equal halves and can move

Question 10

Sagittal Plane

Answer 10

Divides the body into its left and right sections; planes are not necessarily fixed into equal halves and can move

Question 11

Transverse Plane

Answer 11

Divides the body into its superior and inferior (upper and lower) sections; planes are not necessarily fixed into equal halves and can move