Anatomical position, planes, and directional terms

Question 1

How does the subject stand

Answer 1

Erect facing the observer

Question 2

How are the lower limbs positioned

Answer 2

Parallel with feet flat on the floor

Question 3

How are the upper limbs positioned

Answer 3

At the sides with palms facing forward

Question 4

This is the term for a body lying face down

Answer 4

prone

Question 5

This is the term for a body lying face up

Answer 5

Supine

Question 6

What does the trunk consist of

Answer 6

Neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis

Question 7

What is a vertical plan that divides the body or organ into left and right regions

Answer 7

Saggital plan

Question 8

This plane divides the body into equal right and left sides

Answer 8

Midsaggital plane or median plane

Question 9

This plane divides the body into unequal right and left sides

Answer 9

Parasaggital Plane

Question 10

This plane divides the body or organ into front and back portions

Answer 10

Frontal Plane

Question 11

This plane divides the body or organ into upper and lower portions

Answer 11

Transverse Plane

Question 12

This plane passes through the body or organ at an oblique angle

Answer 12

Oblique plane

Question 13

This means above or higher in position, toward the head (no limb reference)

Answer 13

Superior

Question 14

This means below or lower in position, toward the feet (no limb reference)

Answer 14

Inferior

Question 15

This is relating to the nose and mouth region (toward the face)

Answer 15

Rostral

Question 16

This is relating to the tail, at or near the tail or posterior parts of the body

Answer 16

Caudal

Question 17

This is nearer to or at the front of the body

Answer 17

Anterior

Question 18

This is nearer to or at the back of the body

Answer 18

Posterior

Question 19

This is the belly side of the body (synonymous with anterior)

Answer 19

Ventral

Question 20

This is the back side of the body (synonymous with posterior)

Answer 20

Dorsal

Question 21

This means nearer to the midline

Answer 21

Medial

Question 22

This means farther from the midline

Answer 22

Lateral

Question 23

This means between two structures

Answer 23

Intermediate

Question 24

This means on the same side of the body’s midline as another structure

Answer 24

Ipsilateral

Question 25

This means on the opposite side of the body’s midline from another structure

Answer 25

Contralateral

Question 26

This is nearer to the attachment of a limb to the trunk

Answer 26

Proximal

Question 27

This is farther from the attachment of a limb to the trunk

Answer 27

Distal

Question 28

this is toward or on the surface of the body

Answer 28

Superficial

Question 29

This is away from the surface of the body

Answer 29

Deep