Anatomical terminology Flashcards
Describe the anatomical position.
- Face forward, with eyes and toes pointing in the same direction
- Your arms by your side with palms facing forwards
- Lower limbs together with your feet parallel to each other
Why do we need the anatomical position?
Standard prospective used by medical professions when referring to anatomy
What is the anatomical term for “towards the head away from the body”
Superior (or cranial)
What is the anatomical term for “away from the head towards the body”
Inferior (or caudal)
What is the anatomical term for “front of”
Anterior (or ventral)
what is the anatomical term for “behind/on the back of”
Posterior (or dorsal)
What does proximal mean?
Nearest point of attachment to limb or structure. Close Proximity to attachement point
What does distal mean?
Farthest away from attachment point.
When are the terms proximal and distal used?
Primarily used when talking about the limbs ( arms and legs)
What does superficial (or external) mean?
Nearest to the surface. If someone is superficial they only care about appearance KUWTK
What does intermediate mean?
Between a superficial and a deep structure.
What does deep (or internal) refer to?
Farthest from surface. Deep wounds would penetrate far below the surface of the skin
What does the term Lateral mean?
Away from the midline of the body
What does the term Medial mean?
Towards the midline of the body
What does the term intermediate mean?
Between two structures. The knee is intermate to the ankle and the hip
