Anatomical Terminology Flashcards
Anterior/ Ventral
toward the front of the body
Posterior/ Dorsal
toward the back of the body; behind
Distal
away or farthest from trunk or point of origin
Proximal
closer or nearest
Medial
Toward the middle
Lateral
Toward the side
Median
Midline of the body
Superior
Above or toward the top of the head
Inferior
Below or toward the feet
External/ Superficial
Toward the surface
Internal/ Deep
Away from the surface
Frontal
Toward the front of the brain
Occipital
Toward the back of the brain
What is the vertical plane dividing the body into anterior and posterior?
Coronal (frontal)
What is the vertical plane dividing the body into left and right?
Sagittal
What is the horizontal plane dividing the body into superior and inferior?
Transverse (axial)
Flexion
decreases the angle between 2 body parts
Extension
Increasing the angle between 2 body parts
Abduction
Movement away from the midline; toward the outside
Adduction
Movement toward the midline; towards the inside
Lateral (external) rotation
rotating movement away from the midline
Medial (internal) rotation
rotating movement toward the midline
Elevation
Movement in a superior direction (shoulder shrug)
Depression
Movement in an inferior direction