Anatomical Terminolgy Flashcards
Anatomical position
Standing, facing forward, arms at side, palms forward and thumbs out
This is the reference position
Planes
Imaginary flat surfaces that divide the body
Frontal plane
Divides body into front and back halves (F+F)
Sagittal plane
Divides body into sides
Transverse plane
Divides body into top and bottom halves
Superior
Toward the head, or upper part of a structure
Ex. The collar bone is superior to the rib cage
Inferior
Away from head or lower part of a structure
Ex. The hip bone is inferior to the rib
Posterior
Toward the back of the body
Ex. The shoulder blades are located on the posterior side of the body
Anterior
Toward the front of the body
Ex. The lips are anterior to the teeth
Lateral
Farther from the midline
Ex. The ears are lateral to the nose
Medial
Closer to the midline (belly button)
Ex. The chest is medial to the arm
Superficial
Toward the surface of the body
Ex. The skin is superficial to the muscles
Deep
Away from the surface of the body
Ex. Muscles are deep to the skin
Distal
Farther from the body (typically an appendage)
Ex. The hand is distal to the shoulder
Proximal
Closer to the body ( typically appendage)
Ex. The knee is proximal to the toes
