Anatomical Terminology 1

Question 1

Median plane

Answer 1

Median, or Midsagittal plane, is a vertical plane that passes through the midline of the body, dividing it into equal left and right halves.

Question 2

Sagittal

Answer 2

Any vertical plane parallel to the median plane (= parasagittal plane).

Question 3

Coronal or frontal planes

Answer 3

A vertical plane perpendicular to the median plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

Question 4

Transverse plane

Answer 4

Transverse, or axial is a horizontal plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Question 5

Superior or Cranial

Answer 5

Refers to one structure being above or closer to the head than another.

Question 6

Inferior or Caudal

Answer 6

Refers to one structure being below or closer to the feet or tail bone (coccyx) than another.

Question 7

Posterior or Dorsal

Answer 7

Refers to one structure being behind another.

Question 8

Medial

Answer 8

Refers to one structure being closer to the median plane than another.

Question 9

Lateral

Answer 9

Refers to one structure being farther away from the median plane than another.

Question 10

Proximal and Distal

Answer 10

Describes the relative proximity of a structure to the trunk.
Proximal refers to a structure of a limb that is closer to the trunk than another
Distal refers to a structure of a limb that is farther away from the trunk

Question 11

Palmar

Answer 11

The ventral surface (palm) of the hand or fingers.

Question 12

Describe dorsal with regards to the hands and feet

Answer 12

The dorsal surface (back) of the hand or fingers.

The dorsal surface (top) of the foot or toes.

Question 13

Plantar

Answer 13

The ventral surface (bottom or sole) of the foot or toes.

Question 14

Describe anatomical position

Answer 14

Body erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward, thumbs pointing away from the body

Question 15

Describe the different anatomical sections

Answer 15

Longitudinal sections are sections cut along the longitudinal axis of a structure.

Transverse sections, aka cross sections, are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Oblique sections are sections cut in a diagonal plane.

These sections help understand relative depths of internal structures and their position in relation to each other.

Question 16

Rostral

Answer 16

When referring to structures in the head or brain, we can also use the term rostral.
Eg the frontal lobe of the brain is rostral to the cerebellum.

Question 17

Explain external, internal, superficial, intermediate and deep.

Answer 17

External and internal refer to proximity to the centre of an organ or cavity.
External means structures are outside or further from the centre. Internal means inside, or closer to the centre.

Superficial, intermediate and deep are used in relation to the surface of the body.

Eg skin is superficial to the muscles that lie deep to it. Intermediate is the position in between, like the fat.

Question 18

Describe the 4 terms of laterality

Answer 18

uni lateral, bilateral, ipsilateral, contralateral

Question 19

What are parasagittal planes?

Answer 19

Sagittal planes that are uneven (not down the midline) are called parasagittal planes.

Question 20

Give the 2 main regional terms

Answer 20

Axial–bones of the head, neck, and trunk.

Appendicular – bones of the appendages or limbs