Anatomical Terminology Flashcards
Anatomical Position
In the anatomical position, the subject is standing erect (upright position) and facing forward with the upper extremities (upper limbs) at the sides, the palms of the hands facing forward, and the feet flat on the floor with toes pointing forward.
Midsagittal
A vertical plane that passes through the midline of the body and divides the body into equal right and left sides.
Parasagittal
A vertical plane that does not pass through the midline of the body and which divides the body into unequal right and left sides.
Frontal (coronal)
A vertical plane at a right angle to the midsagittal plane which divides the body or an organ into anterior and posterior portions.
Transverse (horizontal)
A plane that is parallel to the ground (at a right angle to the midsagittal plane) and divides the body or an organ into superior and inferior portions. (This plane may be referred to as a “cross section”).
Oblique
Slanted, at an angle.
Superior (cranial, cephalic)
More toward the head end of the body, or toward the upper end or surface of a body part.
Inferior (caudal)
More toward the feet, or toward the lower end or surface of a body part.
Anterior (ventral)
More toward the front surface of the body or an organ.
Posterior (dorsal)
More toward the back or rear surface of the body or an organ.
Medial
Toward the midline of the body or an organ, or as viewed from the side.
Lateral
Away from the midline of the body or an organ, or as viewed from the side.
Proximal
Nearer the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk; nearer to the point of origin.
Distal
Further from the point of attachment of a limb to the body trunk; further from the point of origin.
Superficial
More near the surface of the body.
